Black Bean Veggie Bowl (Print)

Vibrant bowl with black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and zesty lime dressing for a healthy, satisfying meal.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
03 - 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained and rinsed
04 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Legumes

05 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Herbs

06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - Juice of 1 lime
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

12 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
13 - 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey or agave syrup, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine drained black beans, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and half of the chopped cilantro.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredient mixture and toss gently until all components are evenly coated.
04 - Divide the dressed mixture between two serving bowls. Top each bowl with diced avocado, remaining cilantro, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese if desired.
05 - Serve immediately to ensure optimal freshness and texture of all components.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything stays cold and crunchy, so there's no sweating over a stove or waiting for anything to cool down.
  • You can prep the dressing and chop the veggies in the morning, then toss it all together when hunger strikes.
  • It tastes indulgent but leaves you energized instead of sluggish, which is rare for something this satisfying.
  • The lime dressing clings to every bean and kernel, so each bite is as flavorful as the last.
02 -
  • If you dress the avocado too early, it will oxidize and turn gray, so always add it at the very end.
  • Rinsing the canned beans and corn is not optional, the liquid they come in will water down your dressing and dull the flavors.
  • Fresh lime juice is the backbone of this dish, bottled lime will make it taste flat and processed no matter what else you do.
03 -
  • Toast your cumin in a dry pan for thirty seconds before adding it to the dressing, it will smell nutty and taste twice as complex.
  • If your avocado isn't ripe, wrap it in a paper bag with a banana overnight and it will soften by morning.
  • For a creamier dressing, mash a quarter of the avocado into the lime mixture before tossing, it will coat everything like a silky vinaigrette.
Back