Easy Mango & Black Bean Salad for Summer

Colorful mango and black bean salad with red bell pepper and cilantro in a bowl

If you’re looking for a fresh and easy salad to brighten up your meals, a mango and black bean salad is a great choice. It’s colorful, tasty, and packed with healthy ingredients you probably already love.

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This salad combines the sweetness of mango with the heartiness of black beans for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You can enjoy it as a side dish or even a light main meal.

Making it takes just a few simple steps, and you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s a dish that’s great for warm days or when you want something quick and nutritious.

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Mango And Black Bean Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Let me know if you’d like the preparation steps as well!

In a large bowl, combine the diced mango, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.

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Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

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Tips For The Perfect Salad

Use ripe, firm mangoes for the best texture. Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to remove any canned flavor.

Don’t add too much onion at first; you can always add more after tasting. Taste the salad before serving and adjust lime juice or salt as needed.

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Chill the salad before eating to enhance the flavors. If you want more zing, add a small amount of chopped jalapeño or a dash of chili powder.

Keep the salad covered to prevent it from drying out if not serving right away.

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Serving And Storage Ideas

This salad works well with many dishes and flavors. You can mix it with different meals or enjoy it on its own. Storing it right keeps it fresh and tasty for later.

Related Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad: Easy Recipe for Fresh Summer Meals

Pairing Suggestions

You can serve this mango and black bean salad with grilled chicken or fish. The bright, sweet mango balances well with smoky or spicy meats. It also makes a great side dish for tacos or burritos.

Try adding it on top of tortilla chips for a crunchy snack. It pairs nicely with avocado or a bit of sour cream to soften the flavors.

You might want to keep some fresh lime wedges nearby. A squeeze of lime adds extra zest and brings out the salad’s freshness right before eating.

Related Recipe: How to Make Mango Salsa – Quick & Delicious!

How To Store Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge to stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.

If you notice the salad looks a bit watery, gently stir before serving. The beans and mango can release juices when chilled.

Avoid freezing this salad because the mango will get mushy. Always check for any smell changes or mold before eating leftovers. If it smells off, throw it away.

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