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Fiesta Bean Salad

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Fiesta Bean Salad is made with black beans, chick peas, tomatoes, cilantro and avocado tossed with a cumin-lime vinaigrette.

Fiesta Bean Salad

Fiesta Bean Salad

This delicious fiesta bean salad is loaded with fiber! I try to eat lots of legumes each week to get more fiber, and I love the bright, fresh flavors of this quick and easy salad! Combining black beans and chickpeas with avocado, tomatoes and lime, creates a bright and flavorful salad perfect to prep ahead for the week. Make this for lunch or as a healthy side dish to go with grilled steak, tacos, shrimp or chicken. For more salads with canned chickpeas, you may also love this Chickpea Salad or this Greek Chickpea Salad.

black beans, chickpeas, avocado and tomatoes with lime

Something magical happens when you combine cumin, cilantro and lime juice. I can seriously add this to just about anything and be a happy camper.

I confess that I didn’t always like beans in my salads, I think it’s a texture thing because I love beans simmered in soups or with rice, but… add some avocados, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, and cumin and I am in love! What’s more it’s antioxidant rich, full of heart healthy fats, and high in fiber which keeps you full and satisfied.

Ingredients:

  • Beans: Canned black beans and garbanzo beans
  • Vegetables and Herbs: Tomatoes, avocado, red onion and cilantro
  • Salad Dressing: garlic, lime juice, cumin, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper

Variations:

  • You can add corn, it’s especially great with charred summer corn off the cob
  • Omit cilantro if you’re not a fan
  • Swap the beans or garbanzo beans for white beans, pink peas or black eyed peas.

Serving Size

This serves four as a side dish, if you prefer to have this as a main dish, then it would serve 2. You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more.

Meal Prep

This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator an airtight container for up to 4 days. If I were making this ahead, I would leave the avocado out and add just before eating.

black beans, chickpeas, avocado and tomatoes with lime
black beans, chickpeas, avocado and tomatoes with lime in a bowl.

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Fiesta Bean Salad Recipe

4.99 from 51 votes
3
Cals:335
Protein:14
Carbs:47
Fat:11.5
Fiesta Bean Salad is made with black beans, chick peas, tomatoes, cilantro and avocado tossed with a cumin-lime vinaigrette.
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
black beans, chickpeas, avocado salad
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 generous cup as a side

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup minced red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 medium avocado, diced

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, crushed red pepper, and salt.
  • Add the black beans, chickpeas, tomato, onion and cilantro; mix well.
  • When ready to eat, gently mix in avocado and serve right away.

Last Step:

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Notes

This is 1 generous cup which is perfect as a side dish to eat with your favorite protein. If you want to eat this for lunch, I would double the portion.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 generous cup as a side, Calories: 335 kcal, Carbohydrates: 47 g, Protein: 14 g, Fat: 11.5 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Sodium: 481.5 mg, Fiber: 15.5 g, Sugar: 0.5 g

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176 comments on “Fiesta Bean Salad”

  1. Quick, easy and packed full of flavor. Love love the flavor!! Paired with the air fryer shrimp, amazing meal. Love the meal plan, so easy, everything is counted for u. This is a definite make again and again!

  2. Quick, easy and packed full of flavor. Very satisfying!! Paired with the air fryer shrimp, amazing meal. Love the meal plan, so easy, everything is counted for u. This is a definite make again and again!

  3. This is divine! I don’t usually review recipes, but I’ve recently tried a few SkinnyTaste recipes (from books & website) and all have been amazing! The only modification I made to this salad was a whole can of chickpeas & extra cilantro, and it was so good the entire family deemed it a new regular dish! I’m loving the SkinnyTaste sides that are high in protein.

  4. Super fast, versatile, and pretty for a get together. I added English cucumber and a little shredded cheese as well.

  5. I don’t usually review recipes, but this was outstanding! So easy, and the flavors were fresh and light. We had everything on hand and I made exactly as written except that I used refrigerated lime juice rather than fresh. 5 solid stars!

  6. This is probably the recipe I’ve made the most from your website, and that’s saying a lot! So delicious and easy to throw together. My favorite way to eat this is actually for breakfast with a hard boiled egg!

  7. Avatar photo
    Regina Savadge

    I have made this twice. Once for myself and once for a party. Huge hit both times. You can add corn, avocado, you name it.

  8. Avatar photo
    Valerie Wolgast

    This recipe grabbed my interest because I also love beans, line and cilantro. I added 1/2 a medium zucchini small diced, a stalk of celery small diced, 1/3 a yellow bell pepper finely chopped and some corn. Made up some extra dressing due to the extra ingredients. It’s delicious, thank you!

  9. Love bean salad, especially this one! Served over a mixture of quinoa & brown rice but spinach or salad greens sounds great.

  10. So easy to throw together. I love pantry dishes like this – a mix of fresh and canned. My family loves this. I make Gina’s Cilantro Lime Chicken with this as the side. It is a family fav! It’s a perfect meal prep recipe for lunch or a side for dinner

  11. Made this today for my husband and I as a side to eat with salmon for lunch. Omg! Soooo good! I literally ate the rest straight from the bowl afterwards. This will definitely be a staple in my house!

  12. We make a big batch of this at least once a month to have on hand for easy lunches. One of my partner’s favorites!

  13. Made this the other day and used it for lunch this week. Very little prep work, big taste and very satisfying! Yummy!

  14. This has become my go to summer side dish. So easy to put together and so fresh. Have already made it 3 times.

  15. I served the Skinnytaste Fiesta Bean Salad with baby back ribs. It was a delicious combination! I used arugula, chopped small, in place of cilantro.

  16. I absolutely love this bean salad. I make a big batch every week. I use more lime juice and add garlic. Below are different things I add.
    Diced chicken
    Goat cheese
    Salami
    Spiced pecans
    My husband adds it to lettuce turkey wraps for lunch.
    Everyone loves this simple tasteful salad.

  17. This was fantastic! I actually made it earlier in the day to go with tonight’s dinner (lime-cumin grilled catfish). But when I took a taste, I scooped some into a bowl right away and had it for lunch with a few tortilla chips! Absolutely satisfying and delicious.
    Oh, and it’s great without the avocado as well; I’m not a big fan so I left it out and just added some to my husband’s serving.

  18. ABSOLUTELY delicious — one of my favorite recipes to date! I call this “happiness salad” — all the B vitamins and fiber! You must make it. I’m eating it for lunch literally every day lately.

  19. Easy and delicious. Nice to add chopped chicken, salami and or sliced roasted almonds with a dab of goat cheese.

  20. I added jalapeños and orange bell peppers to give it some more zing … the extra colors were pretty, too. I think it could use more onion, as well. Perfect side dish for a warm day or eat it with spinach as a main salad.

  21. Avatar photo
    Deborah Fortney

    Had to make this as soon as I saw the recipe! It is SO GOOD!!! In fact I knew I would like it so I almost doubled the recipe! Even better the next day!!!

  22. I made this as written but didn’t have cilantro so I substituted fresh parsley. What a quick, fresh-tasting, healthy lunch!

  23. Avatar photo
    Rose Powers Carducci

    I was so looking forward to making this until I read that it has 47 grams of carbohydrates. Both my husband and I are on a strict low carb high fiber regimen. So disappointed I love all of the ingredients in your recipe. Doesn’t mean I will stop reviewing and tweaking your recipes.

  24. Gina, I have made this for a few years and love it. I like to add some crunch with green and red peppers. Lizzie 56.

  25. My husband doesn’t like chickpeas. Can I substitute them for cannellini beans , great northern beans or navy beans? Looks delicious.

  26. Avatar photo
    Elisabeth Duffy

    This is one of my all time favorite recipes! I always double the recipe to make sure we have leftovers. If you’ll be eating this over the course of a few days, I recommend holding off on adding the avocado until you’re ready to serve, or in the plate directly on top of the serving. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe!

  27. The dressing on this salad is absolutely amazing! The entire dish is so delicious. I’ve never been a big bean salad fan, but after trying this I’m obsessed.

  28. Gina, once again you have created a recipe that is full of great flavour and so quick to make. I made it exactly as you wrote and it is perfect! I will be making this again and again during the summer.
    Thanks!!

  29. Delicious and super easy to whip together. Made this the night before for family lunches. Excited to have options other than sandwiches for lunches. 

  30. I really liked the salad but thought it was too garlicky. I only used one clove. Next time I will try half a clove or even powdered garlic.

  31. Hi Gina,
    After reading all the great reviews. I’ve decided to make this salad for Father’s Day thank you!

  32. How come when I input the nutritional info into the WW app, the freestyle points come out different? I’ve been following your weekly meal plans (which are amazing, btw) and it’s happened a few times. Thanks!

  33. Made this for our Cinco de Mayo party yesterday and it was delicious. Took a shortcut and used fresh pico de Gallo instead of chopping tomatoes and onions. Came together in 5 minutes. Leftovers made a great lunch.

  34. Pingback: Skinnytaste Meal Plan (May 14-20) – Spotlight Food

  35. Pingback: Over 20 Delicious Chickpea (Garbanzo Bean) Snacks, Sides, and Mains - Meal Planning Mommies

  36. So delicious! My avocado must have been smaller because my smart points values came out less than posted. I will definitely be making this again!

  37. Avatar photo
    Angie Alexander

    GINA this looks so good! I’m curious about the new WW Freestyle program points…. I know your new 2018 meal plan says you updated for that…. I’m curious about older recipes you have…… I guess if it’s something made with eggs/chicken breast/seafood etc (things that are now zero points on WW I will need to try and calculate these? I love your website and meal plans….. shopping list is amazing too. Thanks in advance for your insight,

  38. Just made this and it is delicious! Didn’t know if I would like the beans but I’m trying to eat healthier so thought I would give it a go. So glad I did! Thank you!

  39. Just ate this salad after marinading over night. Wow! So good. I’ve been experimenting with all types of bean salads for years and never got it quite right, until now. Thanks Gina. I added 1 can of cut green beans and 1can of corn. I also doubled up on the lime mixture to account for the additions. Beautiful and tasty. Definitely a go-to meal for sure.

  40. Made this today to have for my wife’s lunches. I skipped the avocado since she’s not a fan and used cannellini beans instead of chickpeas. I’m not usually one for cold bean salads but I loved this. Next time I’m going to make sure to pick up and avocado for me, and I might add some diced jalapeño for even more of a kick. Good stuff.

  41. Avatar photo
    Nancy Villwock

    This recipe was fantastic. Our store didn’t have cilantro or avocado today so I substituted spring mix lettuce. It’s a keeper for me. The combination in the dressing was unusual, yum!

  42. WOW! I am a legumes lady and this was fantastic! The avocado addition made it even more delightful. My husband ate it as a dip with chips. I might use it for our next potluck as a dip!

  43. I’m not a fan of chick peas as well but when you prepare this fiesta salad ‘OMG’, it is soooo good. You don’t even taste the chick peas.

  44. This salad is so delicious and clean and diet-friendly. Sometimes I leave out the cilantro, or reduce the amount of cilantro to 1 or 2 tbsp since cilantro so easily dominates a dish. I’ve made it several times, and have recommended it to friends and they later raved about it. Do you think basil might be an okay sub for cilantro? Lots of it growing in the garden right now. 🙂

  45. Delicious, and it makes a healthful, filling dinner that makes dieting easier. The cumin adds really nicely to the overall flavor.

  46. To the chick pea naysayers,  I would probably put in every bean I could find on the shelf.  I’m a die hard bean lover 🙂

  47. LOVE this recipe!!!!! I added a ton more crushed red peppers. So much flavor and it took such a short time tot
    toss it together . I've made it twice in the last week and will be taking it to our 4th of July picnic.

  48. This was really good! I was out of regular olive oil but had hot pepper olive oil, so used that instead of adding the pepper flakes, AND I didn't have an avocado but it turned out superb anyhow!

  49. Amazing! Made this today but with red kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils. Also added a bit of shredded zucchini, cucumber and skipped the avocado as I'm alergic! Thanks!

  50. Avatar photo
    Melissa Kreinin

    hi…can you tell me what the nutrition facts would be without adding the avocado?? thanks!!!

  51. I made this just now for a potluck barbecue tomorrow. Love the flavor! I added a can of corn, about tripled the cumin, added more red pepper, and double the garlic. It's got a lot of kick, just the way I like it! It was also affordable… All organic ingredients and still only cost about $8. Love it. Fiance loves it. Thanks!

  52. Brought this to a family potluck yesterday and it was a huge hit! Several people asked for the recipe and I pointed them all towards "Skinnytaste"! It was kind of funny though because someone had brought a regular bean salad and someone else brought baked beans so it was a real "bean fest" although mine was the definite favorite! Thanks for all your wonderful recipes, Gina! This one is one of my personal favorites!

  53. Avatar photo
    David Hernandez

    Made this for the first time a few weeks back and it became in instant favourite! Can't get enough of this salad!

  54. THIS IS EXCELLENT! Moved to Singapore from Texas 5 months ago and haven't had any good Mexican food yet. This gave us the "fix" we needed. Had to sub lemons for lime after looking at two stores. But still great! And just as pretty as the pictures here. My husband and I ate the whole batch for lunch. So much for the 7P+. Will definitely bring this to pot lucks.

  55. Avatar photo
    merimeriquitecontrary

    Dear Gina, this was amazing. Served this over whole wheat baked tortillas and with a side of the guacamole deviled eggs. It was very appreciated. 🙂

  56. This was exactly what I needed! The flavours were bang on and it was just so satisfying; super easy to make and quick. This will definitely be made over and over again for years to come!

  57. I made this with some feta cheese, mango, and corn as well (halved the chickpeas because I don't love them). Really tasty (although the additions meant that I had enough salad for about 17 people).

  58. This bean salad is ridiculously delicious!!! It will definitely be in my lunch/dinner rotation at least once a week.

  59. Perfection!!! thanks for such a perfectly delicious recipe! We made this today for lunch and gobbled it down with my 6 and 4 year olds:)

  60. Avatar photo
    Marie Drewitt

    I am looking forward to making this. I am using shallots as I have no onion and chili powder in place of the cumin.

  61. I made this last night, and it was great! I used cucumber instead of tomato (I don't like raw tom.), used a whole can of chick peas, and used cilantro "paste" instead of buying a whole bunch of cilantro. Served w/ Jamaican jerk chicken. Next time I will use real cilantro and add a diced jalepeno pepper.

  62. I made this for dinner tonight, absolutely fabulous. I added a very finely diced jalapeno. Awesome. I'm making again this weekend for a Memorial Day cookout.

  63. I made this for dinner tonight, absolutely fabulous. I added a very finely diced jalapeno. Awesome. I'm making again this weekend for a Memorial Day cookout.

  64. Avatar photo
    Vegan Journey

    I made this the other night and it was delicious! I think it is actually better the second day! I just love your recipes! I have not found one that my husband and I didn't like! Thanks Gina!

  65. I've made this twice now… the 2nd time I didn't want to waste chick peas so I added the whole can… and then it tasted tooo much like chick peas. d'oh! Lesson learned, follow the recipe!

  66. Avatar photo
    1st Time Mommy

    Just made this and paired it with some warm sourdough. Dipped my bread into the dressing at the bottom of the bowl. Nom nom nom……

  67. I've made this a few times since you've posted it and my husband and I LOVE it! I use the whole can of chickpeas though just so I don't have to find something to use that last bit for! 🙂 Very yummy!

  68. Found this recipe through Pinterest and I have to say that it is definitely one of the best I have found! I made it exactly like the recipe with the exception of dried cilantro since it was all I had but this was fantastic! My husband AND my kids liked it too! Will be making this again as well as trying some of your other recipes!

  69. Eating this for dinner at work–OMG FANTASTIC!!!!

    My avocado is not as pretty as yours, since I added it early and shook the container to mix everything; it is super creamy though from all the mashed avocado! I will definitely make this again, with the addition of corn as someone suggested!

  70. Having this for lunch today, but I upped the cilantro (because I love it) and added some frozen, thawed corn. Yum!

  71. Avatar photo
    Marcy's Playground

    This is one of my favorite recipes you've EVER posted, Gina! I made this for a school pot luck and it was well-loved. Even better were the leftovers, tossed with romaine and leftover veggies.

  72. I made this last night, and packed it for lunch today…this is so good! Probably one of my new favorite meals, the flavors work so well together, and it's easy and filling. I'm always looking for new lunch recipes, so thank you!

  73. So good! I made this and added quonia – I am loving it! Makes an excellent lunch 🙂 Thanks again for a great recipe!

  74. Yum! I had an impromptu lunch with a friend today and made this. Served it over fresh arugula with couscous and roasted onions. Delish!!!

  75. Avatar photo
    Peggy Hanley

    Made this tonight and served it as a side to steak. Incredible recipe Gina! It was so good my husband used bread to wipe up the last of the dressing! No black beans so used only garbanzos, still delish! Can't say how much we loved this salad! Thanks Gina!

  76. Avatar photo
    From Foothills to Fog

    This looks amazing! The perfect weeknight summer dinner if you ask me! I can't wait to try this one!

  77. Hi, what brand/type of canned black beans do you recommend? I'm trying to integrate beans into my diet, but I've heard so much about canned beans having an overload of salt or being mushy that the bean aisle now terrifies me!

  78. I LOVE THIS DISH! I've made one pretty simliar a hundred plus times; however I never thought to add the black beans!!!! It's usually the garbanzo's, tomatoes, avocados, onions, and cucumbers! Thanks for the tweak.

  79. I just made this, and it's awesome! Having it over some spinach for lunch today (it's a pretty good amount of dressing).

  80. I have to tell you I bought the ingredients for this and made it this morning and can't wait to try it for lunch. Very easy to make and will probably be my favorite salad for the summer.

    ~Earlene~

  81. Avatar photo
    Katherine Ross

    This is totally going to be my go-to lunch for spring and summer! I think I'll be adding in some quinoa for a little extra protein, too. Yum!

  82. Your pictures are amazing. This is very similar to a cowboy caviar recipe I've made and has always been a hit with friends. That has black eyed peas instead of chickpeas and it also has corn.

  83. Oh this sounds yummy! I'm on an avocado and chick pea (well hummus, but that's just smashed chick peas) lately so this is perfect. Thank you!

  84. Oh this sounds yummy! I'm on an avocado and chick pea (well hummus, but that's just smashed chick peas) lately so this is perfect. Thank you!

  85. Hi Gina,
    I loooove all your recipes and now have a binder full of them. My kids love them too. Do you share your recipes with the WW community through your etools? I try to find them so I don't have to build the recipes online myself.
    Thanks again! Kim

  86. YUM! I am also looking for new healthy mexican recipes! This looks delicious. Have you ever tried cowboy salad? That's a great one too.

    Corbin
    decor-eat

  87. Could you suggest cilantro substitutes? Ever since I had my son cilantro tastes like soap to me. Apparently it's an allergy or an enzyme issue.

  88. Awesome recipe. My hubby is gone for a few days so I will get to actually enjoy the left overs myself! I use this dressing as a marinade for my fajitas. It's so perfect. Thanks again!

  89. Avatar photo
    Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking

    What a fabulous salad for summer parties! I can definitely see myself making this again and again. Thanks, Gina!

  90. Anyone else notice the mention of adding in green beans? but they are not an ingredient in the recipe?

    1. Avatar photo
      Skinnytaste Gina

      I was going to add them, then decided not to. Thanks for noticing, I forgot to remove it.

  91. Avatar photo
    Mr. & Mrs. P

    Simple and delicious!! What a great bean salad for spring!

    Mr. & Mrs. P
    www.cristyandmichael.blogspot.com

  92. I love bean salad..It seems high in points is that because of the beans/???? looks great…Janice

    1. Avatar photo
      Skinnytaste Gina

      Avocado has some healthy fats, and I think the beans have a little. But it's all good fats.

  93. I love it. I've recently fell in love with chickpeas (a local restaurant has the best garbanzo bean salad) but it has a lot of olive oil and a ww friendly recipe is something I've been craving. Thanks so much!

  94. Hm, the recipe calls for green beans in the description but the photo doesn't show any. Can't wait to eat it! This is my lunch!

  95. Avatar photo
    Amanda Delaive

    Looks like a delicious summer dish! How long do you think this would keep for in the fridge?

    1. Avatar photo
      Skinnytaste Gina

      Without the avocado, 3 to 4 days. I would add the avocado just before you are ready to eat.

  96. Avatar photo
    mybluedreams

    I'm with the "don't like chickpeas" statement. EW. Need a different bean suggestion, although anything with cumin in it HAS to be good. 🙂

    1. I think I would use white navy beans, rinsed first, but that would add a color similar to the garbanzo