Black Bean Orzo Salad
Bright, zesty, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Black Bean Orzo Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic pasta salad, perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Featuring tender orzo pasta, protein-rich black beans, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables—including crisp bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado—this salad is as delicious as it is nutritious. Tossed in a refreshing lime vinaigrette infused with cumin, this dish boasts bold, tangy flavors and a subtle hint of spice. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a versatile vegetarian option that can be served as a light main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish. Whether enjoyed fresh or chilled, this salad is a must-try for anyone seeking a healthy, vibrant meal with minimal effort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can black beans
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 medium red onion
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large avocado
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes, until al dente). Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it completely. Set aside.
While the orzo cooks, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro.
Open the can of black beans, drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the lime vinaigrette.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, black beans, diced peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Just before serving, dice the avocado and gently fold it into the salad to avoid mashing it.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
480 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.6 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 579 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 14.5 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 86 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 564 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
