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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Salad / Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe

    Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe

    Published: May 23, 2017 · Modified: Oct 22, 2022 by Anna 75 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe - a lighter version of the classic taco salad. Packed with vegetables and black beans in place of chicken for protein. The dressing is simply irresistible!

    You can use my Instant Pot Black Beans for this salad and serve it with Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.

    Black Bean Taco Salad in white bowl.

    This post is sponsored by BUSH'S® Beans.

    Bright and colorful summer salads are my favorite side dishes to make during the warm season. Especially, if they are on the healthy side yet still absolutely delicious.

    Today I am partnering with BUSH'S® Beans to bring you this recipe for Black Bean Taco Salad. It is one of my favorite summer salads to make for picnics or backyard cookouts and my family loves it! It super easy to mix up thanks to the convenience of black beans in place of chicken. Sweet corn, red and orange mini peppers and red onion add a pop of color and a ton of flavor. Toss it all with the 3-ingredient dressing and enjoy!

    Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe - lighter version of the classic taco salad. Packed with vegetables and black beans in place of chicken for protein. The dressing is simply irresistible!

    DRESSING FOR TACO SALAD:

    If you are like me and absolutely can't stand cilantro, you will LOVE the dressing I made for this salad. It has only 3 ingredients and perfect for this side dish. I simply blended sour cream, salsa and ground cumin. So good! It would be great as a topping for tacos as well! I also use it in my Dorito Taco Salad.

    Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe - lighter version of the classic taco salad. Packed with vegetables and black beans in place of chicken for protein. The dressing is simply irresistible!

    WHY BLACK BEANS?

    I always have several cans of BUSH'S® Black Beans in my pantry. I've been adding them to almost every Mexican dish I make. They are perfect substitute for meat because they have 7 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, are cholesterol-free, gluten-free and low in fat. I love their creamy taste and texture.

    Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe - lighter version of the classic taco salad. Packed with vegetables and black beans in place of chicken for protein. The dressing is simply irresistible!

    I hope you will enjoy my twist on the taco salad and make a big bowl for your next summer cookout. It is bound to disappear!

    If making ahead, do not add the dressing until just before serving. Also, I recommend keeping the chopped onion separately and stir in before serving. It will prevent the onion flavor from overtaking the dish.

    Related Recipes:

    Dorito Taco Salad

    Homemade Enchilada Sauce

    Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe - lighter version of the classic taco salad. Packed with vegetables and black beans in place of chicken for protein. The dressing is simply irresistible!

    Want more? Check out my new recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Salad! It's delicious!

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

    Black Bean Taco Salad in white bowl.

    Black Bean Taco Salad

    Author: Anna
    Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe - lighter version of the classic taco salad. Packed with vegetables and black beans in place of chicken for protein. The dressing is simply irresistible!
    4.96 from 22 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American, Mexican
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 208 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    !for the salad:

    • 3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
    • 1 15 oz can BUSH’S® Black Beans rinsed and drained well
    • 1 15 oz can whole kernel sweet corn rinsed and drained well
    • 3 mini sweet red and orange peppers chopped
    • 1/2 medium red onion chopped

    !for the dressing:

    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1/4 cup salsa
    • 3/4 tsp ground cumin

    Instructions
     

    • Place lettuce, black beans, sweet corn, peppers and onion in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently together.
    • In a mini blender, combine sour cream, salsa and cumin. Blend until smooth. Pour dressing over salad. Toss gently to coat.
    • Serve immediately or refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

    Notes

    If making a day ahead, store in fridge with onion and dressing in separate containers.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 652mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4280IU | Vitamin C: 84.2mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2.5mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

    ~~~~~~~

    Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BUSH'S® Beans. All opinions, text and images are 100% my own.
    This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bush's Beans. The opinions and text are all mine.

     

    More Salad Recipes

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    • Olive Garden Salad Dressing
    • Homemade Ranch Dressing and Dip
    • Leftover Turkey Salad

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Debra says

      June 07, 2022 at 2:51 pm

      Great recipe, the only thing I did different was use vegan unsweetened yogurt, instead of sour cream. Turned out great! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        June 12, 2022 at 5:17 pm

        Thank you for making my recipe, Debra! What brand of vegan yogurt do you use?

        Reply
    2. Kate says

      November 22, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for the first time this evening. My spouse and I are retired and have been looking for more meatless meals for our health and to save money. We both loved it and there is enough left over to make bean burritos tomorrow. I love Bush's Black beans and use them in almost all Mexican dishes. This is going to be a salad we will make on a regular basis.

      Reply
      • Linda says

        February 24, 2022 at 2:44 pm

        This salad is good with bush's no salt or lower salt. Black beans...I always use 2 cans. There is enough salt in everything else to make up for the lost salt flavor. I always use great value black bean and salsa. Also I only cook with Vidalia onions. Never get any complaints.

        Reply
    3. Katy says

      November 07, 2021 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      We loved this so much, I’m making it again one week later! I added one chopped jalapeño and used romaine bag salad because that’s what I had on hand. Served over tortilla chips the first night and day two leftovers wrapped in small tortillas with no lettuce. Thanks so much for the recipe!

      Reply
    4. Wanda says

      August 26, 2021 at 9:39 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this!!! Very refreshing. I used a little more lettuce and a little less onion!!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 02, 2021 at 9:24 pm

        Awesome! Thank you, Wanda!

        Reply
    5. Christine says

      July 16, 2021 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing. I made it as is and it is perfect. So happy I found this new recipe. I did on one occasion try making the dressing with plain Greek yogurt. I didn’t like that. Stick with the sour cream.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        July 18, 2021 at 10:49 pm

        Thank you so much, Christine! I am so glad you are loving the salad!

        Reply
    6. Patricia says

      July 13, 2021 at 7:01 am

      Hi. I’m looking forward to making this recipe, it sounds wonderful.
      If possible can you list the ingredients by measurement or weight.?It’s helpful when subbing in different ingredients.
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Anna says

        July 18, 2021 at 10:54 pm

        Hi Patricia! All measurements for ingredients are in the recipe box.

        Reply
    7. Bev says

      May 09, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      I found this recipe last summer. I made it for dinner and was hooked. It became my go to summer salad. its perfect for a side or as a meal on its own. Its a fantastic salad.

      Reply
    8. THERESA DAVIS says

      September 29, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      I really don't care for sour cream. Is there a substitute?

      Reply
      • Meghan says

        July 09, 2020 at 8:37 pm

        Plain Greek yogurt usually works as a good sour cream sub.

        Reply
      • Victoria says

        June 13, 2022 at 5:38 pm

        I used bottled hvr ranch dressing instead of sour cream and my family loved it and some put it on their tacos as well!

        Reply
        • Anna says

          July 08, 2022 at 3:41 pm

          Sounds great! Thank you, Victoria!

          Reply
    9. Marian says

      September 20, 2019 at 12:12 pm

      We love this recipe! Have used it several times. I took it to a potluck and several asked for the recipe. I have some leftover from a luncheon yesterday - going to add some chicken today!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 21, 2019 at 12:13 am

        Thank you so much, Marian! I am so glad the salad it a hit and that you shared it with others!

        Reply
    10. Angela says

      September 01, 2019 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      My kids LOVE this! We topped it with some taco meat and diced avocado. It is definitely a family favorite. We actually love cilantro so I make a cilantro lime dressing as well. We are split down the middle. Half prefer the salsa dressing and half the cilantro lime.

      Reply
    11. Ann Marie says

      August 09, 2019 at 8:10 am

      Can you use fresh corn?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        August 09, 2019 at 11:54 am

        Yes, fresh corn works too!

        Reply
        • Ann Marie says

          August 09, 2019 at 12:30 pm

          Do you have to boil it first?

          Reply
          • Anna says

            August 09, 2019 at 2:39 pm

            You can grill it or saute in pan or simply cook in boiling water for 2 minutes. I hope this helps!

            Reply
            • Lolana says

              June 14, 2020 at 2:19 pm

              I used fresh corn kernels cut off the cob raw - no need to cook them.

    12. Nina says

      July 29, 2019 at 7:01 pm

      This looks so good--I want to try! As a cooking novice, I have to ask--do you just add the beans from the can, or do you need to cook first?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        July 29, 2019 at 9:59 pm

        Hi Nina! No need to cook the beans. Just drain from the liquid in the can, rinse with cold water and mix with the rest of the ingredients.

        Reply
    13. Camilla says

      June 27, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE this salad. I've been making the very same one for over 25 years - ever since the recipe was published in our local paper. It was probably very ground-breaking at the time!

      Reply
    14. Colleen B says

      June 27, 2019 at 11:24 am

      This looks amazing! I will be making it for my 4th of July party. Do you think crushed up Doritos would go good in it? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        June 27, 2019 at 12:32 pm

        Hi Colleen! Yes! The salad will be fantastic with Doritos. I actually have a Dorito Taco Salad recipe right here: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/dorito-taco-salad-recipe/ Enjoy!

        Reply
    15. Jenny says

      June 07, 2019 at 5:06 pm

      5 stars
      I have been searching for healthy delicious recipes for summer nights. This one is perfect. Quick, simple, healthful and delish.

      Reply
    16. Nancy says

      May 15, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      This looks amazing!! I am totally with you on the black beans. I add them to everything. They have such a mild flavor and add so much. My kids have stopped asking why...

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 16, 2019 at 3:04 pm

        Thanks, Nancy!

        Reply
    17. Christy S. says

      April 16, 2019 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Anna,

      I made this wonderful salad for dinner last night. We loved it!! It's so tasty and easy to make. I'm going to make it again for Cinco de Mayo along with your Chili Queso Dip and one of your taco recipes. I haven't decided which one yet. We will be having a Crunchy Creamy Sweet Cinco de Mayo. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful recipes.

      Reply
    18. Danielle says

      April 01, 2019 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      Loved this salad recipe - thank you for sharing! I am going to share the link to it in my Weekly Meal Plan on my blog next week! Thanks for the great recipes!!!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        April 02, 2019 at 8:41 pm

        I am so glad you love it! Thanks, Danielle!

        Reply
    19. Kimberly says

      March 14, 2019 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      This is an incredible salad! However, when I was looking for a Taco Salad I did what you should never do and assumed it was for a meal and not a side dish. I am doubling it but that is 14 points (bites on my plan) for only 2 cups of salad.

      Next time I will substitute avacado for corn and maybe greek yogurt for the sour cream as a couple have suggested.

      GREAT flavor just need more of it 🙂

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 16, 2019 at 7:16 pm

        Hi Kimberly! Thank you for trying my recipe. I am so glad you love the salad! You can add cooked, diced chicken or cooked ground beef to make it a meal. I have another taco salad idea, check it out: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/dorito-taco-salad-recipe/

        Reply
    20. Jacqueline Escobedo says

      March 04, 2019 at 5:21 pm

      What kind of Salsa is being used?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        March 04, 2019 at 5:57 pm

        You can use any salsa you like. I used mild.

        Reply
    21. Kim says

      March 03, 2019 at 2:50 pm

      I don't see the serving size? Does anyone know? Thank you

      Reply
    22. Andrea says

      January 23, 2019 at 1:23 am

      5 stars
      I am obsessed with this salad! My favorite lunch for the past few weeks!

      Reply
    23. Lori says

      January 12, 2019 at 11:30 pm

      5 stars
      Love this salad! It's easy and perfect for my work lunch! Thank you!!

      Reply
    24. Mary says

      December 12, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this today, yummy! This will be good all year long!

      Reply
    25. Jenn says

      October 08, 2018 at 2:40 pm

      What if you do like cilantro...are there changes/additions you would recommend?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        October 18, 2018 at 4:38 pm

        Nope, just enjoy it. 😀

        Reply
    26. dawn says

      September 27, 2018 at 8:41 am

      5 stars
      whats a serving size?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        October 18, 2018 at 4:39 pm

        About a cup.

        Reply
    27. Ashley says

      August 15, 2018 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy and seriously yummy!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        August 15, 2018 at 11:26 pm

        Yay! Thank you so much, Ashley!

        Reply
    28. Salad lover says

      August 02, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Do you rinse the black beans first?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        August 06, 2018 at 12:27 pm

        Yep!

        Reply
    29. Martha says

      July 31, 2018 at 12:11 am

      5 stars
      I used Ortega Black Beans with Diced Jalapeños instead of plain Black Beans. Also, I substituted Fat Free Greek Yogurt for the sour cream. Tossed it altogether with a bag of prepared Romaine lettuce with shredded carrots and cabbage. Served it on tostada shells. My family LOVED it! This is a keeper! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 31, 2018 at 1:56 pm

        Hi Martha! YAY! That's fantastic! I love that you used beans with peppers and served this salad on tostadas. So tasty! Thank you so much for trying my recipe and for your feedback!

        Reply
    30. E says

      May 28, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      To jazz it up a tad, I added salt, pepper, cilantro, fresh squeezed lime juice and some Tabasco Habanero Sauce. So good!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        May 28, 2018 at 11:14 pm

        Loving your additions! Thank you!

        Reply
    31. Diane Mann says

      May 14, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner tonight and it was fabulous! Definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        May 15, 2018 at 12:30 pm

        Yay! That's awesome, Diane! Thank you!

        Reply
    32. Rose says

      April 26, 2018 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      Made this salad today. Used Nappa and iceberg instead of romain (because if the scare).
      Tripled the recipe for the sauce and served it on the side to be used as needed.
      This salad is so filling. Tasty and refreshing. It will be made often!
      Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        April 26, 2018 at 11:43 pm

        Hi Rose! Yay! Thank you so much for making my recipe and for the review! I am so happy to know you love it! Good choice with Nappa!

        Reply
    33. Eileen says

      April 25, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      I will prepare this salad for guess tomorrow but I can’t eat corn. What can I substitute that stays in the Mexican favor

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        April 25, 2018 at 5:39 pm

        Hi Eileen! How about avocados? You could chop 2 to 3 avocados and use in place of corn. I hope this helps! Let me know if you try it!

        Reply
    34. Karla says

      January 25, 2018 at 8:36 pm

      4 stars
      What kind of salsa is that??
      The translation of "salsa" is "sauce"
      So is a tomato sauce? or chilli?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 27, 2018 at 3:20 pm

        Hi Karla! Use any salsa you like on your tacos. Enjoy!

        Reply
    35. Sarah says

      January 13, 2018 at 11:43 am

      You stated this is a great side dish, if I add chicken would it be enough protein and stuff for a whole meal? I work at an elementary so I wanna stay healthy but still full.

      Reply
    36. Jessa says

      January 03, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      I love how easy it is to throw this together for how healthy it is! Thank you for sharing. This looks so good .

      Reply
    37. Jennifer says

      October 08, 2017 at 9:05 am

      I prepare my lunches for the week on Sunday. I was thinking of packing everything with the dressing on the side. Is the dressing something that will last all week? Or should I make it each night beforehand?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        October 08, 2017 at 10:00 pm

        Hi Jennifer! I think the dressing will separate because of the salsa. I would mix it the day before. I hope this helps! -Anna

        Reply
    38. Daphne says

      August 19, 2017 at 6:07 pm

      5 stars
      I'm not big into salads, but this is one I can live with--it was a really good, satisfying dish. (I did add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the dressing for a bit of a boost in flavor.)

      I'm sharing the recipe with my vegetarian friends and family.

      Reply
    39. April kursim says

      July 10, 2017 at 10:31 am

      Do you have the calories listed?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        July 10, 2017 at 11:05 am

        Hi April! According to MyFitnessPal is 169 calories per serving. Hope this helps! -Anna

        Reply
    40. Brandy says

      June 12, 2017 at 8:43 pm

      Love Bush's beans! This is my kind of dish!

      Reply
    41. Krista says

      May 30, 2017 at 4:31 pm

      This salad sounds so good right now! I cant to take a fork to my screen!

      Reply
    42. cakespy says

      May 29, 2017 at 6:01 am

      Wow, this looks awesome!! I love black beans and that signature flavor they impart on a recipe. Plus my friend just gave me a bunch of black beans since she was in excess (literally the first time I've been gifted black beans), it seems like fate that I should make this.

      Reply
    43. averie says

      May 23, 2017 at 10:43 am

      I love black beans, well all beans actually! I would devour this! Pinned!

      Reply
    44. Sues says

      May 23, 2017 at 9:07 am

      I so love this idea!! Perfect to take to a summer barbecue or to eat as a meal on a really hot evening!

      Reply

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