Vibrant mango black bean salad with lime dressing in terracotta bowl - refreshing tropical summer recipe.
Vibrant mango black bean salad with lime dressing in terracotta bowl - refreshing tropical summer recipe.

Why This Tropical Salad Will Be Your Summer Favorite

When temperatures rise, this Mango Black Bean Salad delivers refreshing flavor and nutrition in every bite. Here’s why it’s a must-make:

Bursting with freshness – Juicy mango, crisp veggies, and zesty lime
Protein-packed – Black beans provide 15g plant-based protein per cup (Healthline)
Meal-prep friendly – Gets better as flavors meld (stores 4 days!)
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or taco night

Pro Tip: Double the recipe—it disappears fast!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

The Salad Base:

Fresh ingredients for tropical mango black bean salad with spices
  • 2 ripe mangos, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, cubed (add last)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

The Zesty Lime Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp lime juice (2 limes)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Boosters:

  • 1 jalapeño (seeded, minced)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or grilled)
  • Crumbled queso fresco

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

Step-by-step assembly of tropical black bean salad
  1. Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly.
  2. Dice mango, bell pepper, and onion uniformly (for even bites).
  3. Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.

2. Combine & Toss

Creamy avocado and juicy mango in protein-packed black bean salad
  1. In a large bowl, gently mix mango, beans, pepper, onion, and cilantro.
  2. Drizzle dressing and toss lightly (avocado added last to prevent browning).

3. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Chill 15 minutes for enhanced flavor
  • Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges

Why This Recipe Works

  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Mango provides 100% DV vitamin C per cup (USDA)
  • Gut-Friendly Fiber: Black beans offer 15g fiber per cup (Mayo Clinic)
  • Hydrating: Cucumber (optional add-in) is 96% water for summer hydration

Serving Suggestions & Variations

🌶️ Spice it up: Add chipotle powder or tajín
🥑 Creamier version: Swap avocado for cubed jicama
🍤 Protein boost: Top with grilled shrimp or chicken
🌮 Taco night twist: Serve in lettuce cups or with tortilla chips

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Prep ahead: Chop veggies (except avocado) 1 day in advance
  • Storage: Keep undressed salad for 4 days in airtight containers
  • Dressing hack: Freeze lime juice in ice cubes for quick prep

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Summer Salad

This Mango Black Bean Salad is:
✔ Bursting with tropical flavors
✔ Loaded with nutrition
✔ Incredibly versatile

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