In this collection of easy black bean recipes, we’ll explore quick meals that showcase the versatility of this humble legume.
From hearty soups and stews to zesty salads and flavorful mains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
You’ll find plenty of inspiration here, whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of chili or a light and refreshing black bean salad.
Black beans are versatile and fit seamlessly into different cuisines and dishes.
They also pack a nutritional punch with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For example, one serving of our vegetarian chili offers 21 grams of nutritious protein.
Black beans, like their legume counterparts—white beans, lentils, and chickpeas add depth to various dishes.
1. Black bean soup
Black beans shine in this soup, adding a rich, hearty taste and creamy texture.
They offer a bold, earthy, and almost meaty flavor, and this soup recipe packs protein, fiber, and antioxidants that will make you feel nourished and healthy.
2. Black bean salad
Black bean salad is a crowd-pleaser as it pairs the creamy textures of the veggies with a fresh and tangy cilantro lime dressing.
We add creamy roasted sweet potatoes because they are a love affair with the black beans.
The black beans add plenty of protein, making the salad wholesome and fulfilling.
3. Stuffed sweet potato
Stuffed sweet potatoes can be served as a vegetarian dinner, a side dish, a main dish, or even a healthy dessert with cinnamon and maple syrup.
Stuff your microwave sweet potato with a simple black bean salad filling tossed in cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. It’s easy, nourishing and delicious.
4. Mediterranean salad
Inspired by Israeli and Moroccan couscous salads, black beans and chickpeas are combined in this satiating salad.
You can use canned black beans or dry black beans cooked in water until tender, about 1 to 2 hours.
5. Mango black bean salad
Black bean mango salad is a tasty salad recipe with mango, creamy avocado, crunchy bell peppers, nutty black beans, and nourishing quinoa.
Drizzle with an easy-to-make cilantro lime dressing that adds a tangy, herby, and slightly sweet taste to this vibrant black bean recipe.
6. Breakfast burrito
This vegan breakfast burrito recipe combines our easy and tasty tofu scramble with delicious Mexican ingredients.
Add black beans and bell pepper to pack the burrito filling with even more flavor.
You can add chopped tomatoes, fresh lime, jalapeños, guacamole, avocado spread, or sliced avocado as toppings.
7. Sweet potato hash
This colorful and delicious breakfast meal combines black beans, lime, peppers, and cilantro.
Black beans complement roasted sweet potatoes well and offer a healthy vegetarian dinner idea.
8. Lentil chili
Expect a hearty, satisfying, high–protein lentil recipe that is easy to make with pantry staples and excellent for meal prep.
Ingredients like lentils, black beans, onions, peppers, and tomatoes meld with aromatic spices to create a dish with comforting flavors.
9. Sweet potato chili
This sweet potato chili can be made with red kidney beans or black beans. You can make the chili in less than one hour if you opt for canned legumes.
It’s excellent for meal prep and pairs well with nachos, tortillas, and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, lime, and fresh cilantro.
10. Quinoa salad
This quinoa salad is the perfect meal prep recipe for lunch, dinner, and post-workout meals.
Packed with nutrition, wholesome plant protein, healthy carbs, vitamins, and fiber, it’ll keep you healthy and satiated for the whole day.
11. Mexican rice
This one–pot Mexican rice recipe is ready in 20 minutes and contains aromatic Mexican spices and black beans.
Serve it with corn on the cob, sliced avocado, queso fresco, and a generous squeeze of lime juice.
12. Black bean burger
These black bean burger patties are a delicious vegetarian alternative to beef burger patties.
We make them with eggs and feta for better binding, extra flavor, and a profoundly satisfying eating experience.
13. Vegetarian chili
Vegetarian chili is an excellent meatless Monday meal packed with plant-based protein-
It stays in the fridge for days and reheats beautifully in a saucepan or microwave, allowing you to have a healthy dinner during a busy week.
14. How to cook black beans
Black beans are nutritious and versatile; you can use them for salads, spreads, dips, and other delicious meals.
They are rich in wholesome plant protein and dietary fiber, affordable, and easy to prepare.
How to serve black bean recipes
Black bean recipes: black bean salad
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or 1½ cups cooked black beans
- 1½ pounds sweet potatoes peeled and chopped into 1-Inch cubes
- 1 cup green bell pepper diced
- ½ cup corn
- ½ cup red onion chopped
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños chopped
- 1 avocado diced
FOR THE CILANTRO LIME DRESSING
- 1 cup cilantro use parsley if you don't like cilantro
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
Instructions
PREP THE BEANS
- Canned black beans: drain and rinse under running water.Dry black beans: boil in a large pot of lightly salted water for 1 to 1½ hours or until tender.
ROAST SWEET POTATOES
- Preheat oven or air fryer to 400°F or 200°C.Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-Inch cubes. Toss them in 1 tbsp of olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and a few twists of black pepper.Oven: arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for 25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
- Air fryer: transfer into the air fryer basket. The cubes CAN overlap.Air fry at 400°F or 200°C for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket every 4 minutes to allow for even cooking.
MAKE THE DRESSING
- Blend all dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust for salt, sweet, and lime. To make it without a blender, finely chop ingredients and whisk them in a bowl.
TOSS THE SALAD
- To a large mixing bowl, add the black beans, finely chopped onion, sliced jalapeños, roasted sweet potatoes, corn kernels, diced green bell pepper, and diced avocado.Tip: only add the avocado if you are serving the salad within 2 hours of making it. If you are meal-prepping, then add the avocado shortly before serving.
- Toss with the dressing then taste and adjust for salt before serving.
- Optionally, you can add about 1 cup of boiled quinoa.
Notes
Nutrition
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Hi! We are Nico & Louise
We’re here to share delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based recipes (vegetarian & vegan) 🌿✨.
Welcome to our blog, we are glad you are here.
Fantastic! I will definitely be making this again!
I’m very happy to hear, Alicia!!
Thank you for taking the time to comment here ❤️
Kindest, Louise