Black Bean Orzo Salad

Bright, zesty, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Black Bean Orzo Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic pasta salad, perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Featuring tender orzo pasta, protein-rich black beans, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables—including crisp bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado—this salad is as delicious as it is nutritious. Tossed in a refreshing lime vinaigrette infused with cumin, this dish boasts bold, tangy flavors and a subtle hint of spice. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a versatile vegetarian option that can be served as a light main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish. Whether enjoyed fresh or chilled, this salad is a must-try for anyone seeking a healthy, vibrant meal with minimal effort.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 can black beans
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large avocado

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes, until al dente). Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it completely. Set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo cooks, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh cilantro.

Step 3

Open the can of black beans, drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the lime vinaigrette.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, black beans, diced peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 6

Just before serving, dice the avocado and gently fold it into the salad to avoid mashing it.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1461.6 grams (1461.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1916

Total Fat 79.30g	102%
Saturated Fat 11.00g	55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2449mg	106%
Total Carbohydrate 264.50g	96%
Dietary Fiber 53.40g	191%
Total Sugars 20.40g
Protein 56.20g	112%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 314mg	24%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 2200mg	47%

*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: 35.7%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 53.0%