Looking for a vibrant, nutritious dish that bursts with flavor and can be whipped up in just 15 minutes? Say hello to the Tuna Black Bean Chipotle Salad with Cilantro Avocado Dressing! This Mexican-inspired salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. Packed with protein from tuna and black beans, and complemented by the creamy goodness of avocado and the zesty kick of chipotle, it’s the perfect dish for a quick lunch or a refreshing summer meal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make salad that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the canned tuna thoroughly, ensuring excess liquid is removed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Rinse black beans under cold water and drain completely. Add to the bowl with tuna.
- If using frozen corn, thaw it by running under warm water or microwaving for 1-2 minutes. Drain excess moisture and add to the mixing bowl.
- Wash and dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform cubes. Add to the tuna and bean mixture.
- Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and dice into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold into the salad to prevent mashing.
- Chop fresh cilantro leaves finely, discarding thick stems. Sprinkle over the salad.
- Cut the lime in half and squeeze fresh juice over the entire salad, distributing evenly.
- Sprinkle chipotle powder across the salad, ensuring even distribution for balanced heat.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss all ingredients to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a light lunch or refreshing summer salad. Optional: Garnish with additional cilantro leaves.
Tips
- Choose Quality Tuna: Opt for high-quality canned tuna packed in water or olive oil for a richer flavor and better texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for added crunch and color.
- Adjust the Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, start with half a teaspoon of chipotle powder and gradually add more to suit your taste.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh cilantro and ripe avocados for the best taste. The freshness of the ingredients can elevate this salad to a whole new level!
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it in lettuce wraps or with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch and store in the fridge for up to two days. Just keep the avocado separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
