Orzo and Black Bean Salsa Salad

Packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this Orzo and Black Bean Salsa Salad is a fiesta in every bite! Featuring tender orzo, protein-rich black beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red bell peppers, sweet corn, and creamy avocado, this dish brings together the perfect balance of textures. A zesty lime-cumin dressing ties it all together, infusing each bite with a refreshing Southwest flair. Ready in just 25 minutes, this colorful salad is a perfect make-ahead option for quick lunches, summer picnics, or as a light and nourishing side dish. Gluten-free adaptation tips and vegan-friendly, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 87/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 15 ounces Canned black beans
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro
• 0.25 cup Red onion
• 1 cup Sweet corn kernels
• 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh 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 package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, drain and rinse the canned black beans and set them aside.

Step 3

Dice the cherry tomatoes into quarters and the red bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the fresh cilantro and red onion.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo (rinsed under cold water to cool), black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cilantro, red onion, and sweet corn kernels.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl and toss gently until well combined.

Step 7

Peel, pit, and dice the avocado, then add it to the salad. Toss gently to incorporate without mashing the avocado.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a standalone dish or as a side. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1418.1 grams (1418.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2235

Total Fat 80.80g	104%
Saturated Fat 11.30g	57%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2725mg	118%
Total Carbohydrate 329.00g	120%
Dietary Fiber 78.00g	279%
Total Sugars 29.20g
Protein 76.80g	154%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 348mg	27%
Iron 24mg	134%
Potassium 4198mg	89%

*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: 30.9%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 56.0%