27 Nov 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 75 min
Ingredients:
1 cup lentils
1.50 fl oz lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp mustard
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp salt
1 red pepper
1/2 onion
2 tomatoes
1 tsp coriander leaves
1 can black beans
1 cup onion
Black bean lentil salad with cumin lime dressing is a nutritious and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a hearty side. Packed with protein from lentils and black beans, and filled with fresh vegetables, this salad is both satisfying and healthy. The cumin lime dressing adds a zesty, aromatic touch that brings all the ingredients together beautifully.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Lentils
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of lentils and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1.50 fl oz of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of mustard, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
- Whisk until well blended. Set aside.
3. Prepare Vegetables and Beans
- Chop 1 red pepper and 1/2 onion finely.
- Dice 2 tomatoes.
- Rinse and drain 1 can (420g) of black beans.
- Chop 1 tsp of fresh coriander leaves.
- If not done already, chop additional onion to make a total of 1 cup (70g).
4. Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, black beans, chopped red pepper, finely chopped onion, diced tomatoes, and additional chopped onion.
- Add the chopped coriander leaves.
5. Dress the Salad
- Pour the prepared cumin-lime dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
6. Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld together for a more robust taste.
Tips:
- Use fresh lime juice for the dressing to achieve a vibrant and tangy flavor.
- Cook the lentils until just tender but not mushy to maintain a nice texture in the salad.
- Rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly to remove any excess sodium and improve the overall taste.
- Finely chop the vegetables for a more uniform and visually appealing salad.
- Allow the salad to sit for at least 15-20 minutes after mixing to let the flavors meld together.
This black bean lentil salad with cumin lime dressing is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It's perfect as a standalone dish or as a side to complement your favorite main course. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and wholesome ingredients with every bite!