Ensalada de Frijoles

This Ensalada de Frijoles Negros (Black Bean Salad) is a delicious blend of zesty flavors that pairs perfect with grilled meats and fish! Soon to become a family favorite!

With the grilling season in full swing, I cannot help myself. I have to make every yummy refreshing salad that I could think of!

Everything from creamy to refreshing salads has been made in our home this summer.

Like this Ensalada de Coditos con Jamón (Macaroni Salad with Ham), Ensalada de Papa (Potato Salad) and this refreshing Ceviche de Brócoli (Broccoli Ceviche).

If you have yet to try any of these, make sure to give them a try. They’re all quick to make, perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, entertaining, and make excellent weeknight side dishes. More importantly, they’re of course delicious!

But, make sure to add this one to your list too!

This one is by far one of my favorites!

With the inviting feast of colors and refreshingly zesty flavors, this black bean salad will surely become a favorite for you too! Guaranteed!

What’s Perfect about this salad?

• Its super quick and easy to make.
• Although this salad benefits from sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, it can be eaten right away.
• It pairs excellent with chicken, beef, pork and fish.
• Even better with grilled foods, such as salmon and steak.
• A little bit of ingredients, goes a long way. After mixing in all the ingredients, this salad will feed 6-8 people.
• Can be made ahead of time especially great for entertaining and cookouts.

Ingredients You Will Need

• black beans
• corn
• green pepper
• red pepper
• red onion
• tomatoes
• fresh cilantro
• garlic
• oil
• cider vinegar
• lime
• salt and pepper

How to Make Ensalada de Frijoles Negros

1. Rinse the cilantro, peppers and tomatoes under cool water.
2. Chop the peppers and tomatoes. Finely chop cilantro.
3. Peel the garlic and onion.
4. Finely minced the garlic and chop the onion.
5. Mix the oil, vinegar, lime juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

1. Drain the black beans and corn through a strainer and add to a mixing bowl.
2. Top the beans and corn with all the veggies, garlic and cilantro.

1. Add the vinaigrette to the bowl and stir salad.
2. Cover and chill the salad for two hours or more.

Note: Although, you can serve this salad immediately but is better when set in the refrigerator to chill.

Ensalada de Frijoles Salad Variations

You can add a few variations or substitutes to this salad if you like.

• Whole grape tomatoes or cut in half
• Cubed avocado
• Chopped fresh jalapeño
• Grilled corn kernels
• Cubed cucumber
• Zucchini cubes
• Sliced artichokes
• Chopped grilled chicken
• Cooked shrimp

What to Serve with this Black Bean Salad?

This salad is delicious served in a variety of different ways. Here are some amazing and delicious ideas.

• Serve with fish, chicken, pork or beef
• Grilled meats or salmon
• On top of tacos
• Serve on a bed of lettuce or other greens
• Serve as an appetizer with tortilla chips
• On top of Arroz Blanco (Puerto Rican Rice) or Puerto Rican Yellow Rice with Corn
• Stuff salad inside of baby tomatoes and serve as an appetizer or side
• Serve on top of tilapia like this recipe bean variation from Fine Cooking.

Can You Make this Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! However, if you make this salad a day or two in advance, make sure to freshen up with fresh cilantro.

If you want to add avocado chunks, make sure to add at the very end when you are ready to serve the salad.