This Black Bean Salad is Your New Weeknight Hero

Channel your inner mariachi and whip up this vibrant black bean salad that's bursting with flavor and ready to condiment its way onto your plate in a mere 20 minutes. Packed with protein, fiber, and enough zest to wake up a napping sloth, this recipe is the perfect solution for busy bees (or should we say, busy burritos?) craving a healthy feast.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups black beans, cooked and channeling their inner bean-go: feel free to use canned if you're short on time!
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed and dreaming of warmer weather.
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced so small it'll do the flamenco.
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (warning: this little pepper packs a punch, so adjust to your spice tolerance!).
• 2 tbsp. scallions, minced and ready.
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed and whispering secrets of flavor.
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped and bringing the fiesta vibes.
• 1 tsp. ground cumin, the smoky soul of this salad.
• 3/4 tsp. salt, because let's face it, life needs a little seasoning.
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground for an extra kick.
• 1/4 cup olive oil, the smooth operator of this flavorful dish.
• 2 tbsp. lime juice, adding a zesty pucker.
• 2 tbsp. water, just a touch to help the dressing blend beautifully.

Instructions:

1. In a bowl big enough for a conga line, toss together the black beans, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, and scallions. They're about to become the best buddies ever!
2. Now, for the flavor magic: in a blender or food processor, turn your garlic cloves into tiny flavor bombs. Add the cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper, and pulse until they become a fragrant green confetti.
3. Pour in the olive oil, lime juice, and water, and blend until it's a smooth, dreamy dressing. Think creamy margarita for your salad.
4. Drizzle this delicious concoction over your bean and veggie crew, and toss everything together until it's coated in fiesta-worthy flavor.
5. Taste test and adjust seasonings if needed. Don't be shy, add a pinch of this, a squeeze of that, until it sings to your tastebuds like a mariachi band.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top this salad with crumbled queso fresco, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Serve it on a bed of romaine lettuce or brown rice for a more filling meal.
• Tuck it into tortillas for a quick and tasty taco filling.
• No matter how you serve it, this black bean salad is guaranteed to bring the fiesta, the flavor, and the fun!

So ditch the siesta and whip up this vibrant salad. It's the perfect way to add some excitement to your week, one delicious bite at a time. ¡Olé!