Black Bean and Couscous Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Black Bean and Couscous Salad is a vibrant medley of wholesome ingredients perfect for any occasion. Tender couscous serves as the base, infused with the zesty tang of lime and a hint of cumin, while hearty black beans add protein and texture. Diced red bell pepper, cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and red onion lend crunch and color to every bite, complemented by aromatic fresh cilantro. Tossed in a simple olive oil and lime dressing, this quick 20-minute salad is a breeze to make. Whether served as a refreshing side dish, a light lunch, or a make-ahead option for meal prep, this healthy salad is as versatile as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium lime, juiced
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Add the vegetable broth (or water) to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the pan and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.

Step 3

Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro.

Step 5

To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Step 6

Add the cooled couscous to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and beans. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired.

Step 8

Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Garnish with additional cilantro just before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	668.7 grams (668.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	672

Total Fat 43.50g	56%
Saturated Fat 6.70g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 913mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate 62.90g	23%
Dietary Fiber 8.30g	30%
Total Sugars 13.10g
Protein 10.30g	21%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 85mg	7%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 999mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.2%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 36.8%