Main image of Spiced Black Bean & Rice Salad in a Jar

Spiced Black Bean & Rice Salad in a Jar

35 min

Meal

Salad

Make-ahead
The black bean, also known as black turtle bean, is especially popular in Latin American cuisine, but can nowadays be found pretty much anywhere around the world. Just like other legumes, it's a great source of protein and fibre and, in combination with the spices, a delicious ingredient to add to pretty much any meal, like this meal in a jar!

Servings

(1 litre jar per serving)

Total

35 min

Prep

15 min

Cook

20 min

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Gluten symbol

gluten

Ingredients

Grain

Spiced beans

  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL)
    vegetable oil
  • 3 cups (516 g)
    cooked black beans
  • 2 tsp (5 g)
    chili powder
  • 2 tsp (6 g)
    garlic powder
  • 2 tsp (5 g)
    onion powder
  • 2 tsp (5 g)
    paprika powder
  • 2 tsp (4 g)
    ground cumin
  • ½ tsp
    ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp
    salt

Dressing

  • ¼ cup (60 mL)
    extra virgin olive oil
  • 2
    limes, juiced
  • 2
    cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tsp (5 g)
    paprika powder
  • 1 tsp (2 g)
    ground cumin
  • ½ tsp
    ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp (6 g)
    salt

Salad

  • 2 cups (330 g)
    canned corn
  • 2
    red bell peppers, diced
  • 1
    small red onion, diced
  • 2
    avocados, diced†
  • 2 cups (298 g)
    cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup (38 g)
    pickled jalapeños, sliced

Optional garnish

  • fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, let cool off completely.
  2. To a large pan over medium-high heat, add the oil, beans, and spices. Cook for 3 - 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and let the beans cool off completely.
  3. Make the dressing by mixing all ingredients in a bowl.
  4. To assemble the mason jar, start with dividing the dressing between the jars. Then add the rice at the base, followed by the beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, tomatoes. Top with the jalapeño slices.
  5. When ready to devour, give it a good mix. Enjoy!

Notes

  • †To keep the chopped avocadoes from browning, toss them in a bit of lemon or lime juice, if desired.

Storage

  • The meal can be stored in mason jar in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Print

Let us know what you think

Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 28%

• uncooked white rice

Proteins 18%

• cooked black beans

Fruits & Veggies 54%

• lime

• clove garlic

• canned corn

• red bell pepper

• small red onion

• avocado

• cherry tomato

• pickled jalapeño

Calcium
No significant sources of calcium
Fat

• vegetable oil

• extra virgin olive oil

• avocado

Nutrition info

We believe that focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. If you require specific nutrition information due to a medical condition, please consult with a dietitian or physician. The nutritional information provided is composed with the utmost care. However, we cannot guarantee the correctness of the displayed values, see also our disclaimer.

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Discussion & Rating

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Meg - Nov. 29, 2022, 9 a.m.

Another absolute delight! This is delicious, filling and perfect on a warm summers night. Nice job, Sadia and the PUL team☺️

PUL Team - Nov. 29, 2022, 4:52 p.m.

Aw thank you, Meg!

Reply
Konrad - Oct. 25, 2022, 7:51 p.m.

Perfect!!

Reply
Syd - Oct. 20, 2022, 6:19 a.m.

A very non-traditional salad, but it definitely feels like you're getting your vegetables in as well as healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil. I've been making it for lunch for the past few weeks, and the variety of ingredients means I don't get tired of it. The rice and beans are filling and the dressing is wonderfully acidic. I also appreciate Sadia's inclusion of canned vegetables in her recipes.

PUL Team - Oct. 21, 2022, 5:03 a.m.

We're so happy the recipe is being enjoyed, Syd, it means so much!

Reply
Greta - July 25, 2022, 5:06 p.m.

Has anyone a suggestion what to use instead of avocado?

PUL Team - July 26, 2022, 7:42 a.m.

Hey Greta, you can omit the avocado! If an alternative is desired though perhaps shredded lettuce, sweet potato, jicama, or zucchini are some ideas. You could also add more of the tomatoes, corn, pepper, or onion 😊

Reply
Alison - June 12, 2022, 9:14 a.m.

I really enjoy this recipe on a regular basis. I like that it uses the plate method, which I like to use for lunch and dinner. The flavours are delicious. I suggest making the rice and beans first and later, when they are cool, making the salad and dressing and putting it all together. It doesn't have to go in a jar, it can go in your usual reusable container for lunch. It's even better the next day when the dressing has had a chance to seep into the rice. For just myself I halve the recipe and that gets 2 large serves or 3 small. Once I shared it with a friend and they suggested eating it with pita or corn chips. If you add less or no rice, this could be a great substitute! I highly recommend this recipe. Thank you Pick Up Limes for the recipe AND for the great video to go with it!

PUL Team - June 15, 2022, 8:05 p.m.

Hey there, Alison, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with it and suggestions! It's so appreciated. Love the idea to use pita or corn chips 🤗

Reply
Franzi - June 9, 2022, 8:06 p.m.

My absolute go to recipe! Whether it's comfort food or when I don't know what to cook, or when I need something for several days. A great recipe! The mix of spiciness, garlic and the lime is really great!

PUL Team - June 10, 2022, 9:09 p.m.

So lovely to hear, Franzi, thank you for taking the time to share!

Reply
Lindsey - June 1, 2022, 4:44 p.m.

Wow! This was incredible! We made this for a road/camping trip last month. It was a hit! This recipe has found its way to my collection of favorites. 😋

PUL Team - June 1, 2022, 9:27 p.m.

Oh it means so much, Lindsey, such a big compliment ☺️

Reply
kaylin - April 25, 2022, 7 p.m.

Amazing! such an easy and delicious meal!

Reply
Jaacee - April 18, 2022, 5:23 p.m.

This salad is amazinggggg!! 10/10. This is the salad that gets you into salad.

PUL Team - April 18, 2022, 8:46 p.m.

We're so thrilled it was enjoyed, Jaacee, thank you!

Reply
Anne - Dec. 31, 2021, 1:24 p.m.

The spiced beans are SO delicious, especially combined with the dressing. I didn’t know black beans could actually taste this good.

PUL Team - Jan. 1, 2022, 5:10 a.m.

Woohoo! It means so much the recipe was enjoyed, Anne 😃

Reply
Amazing! - Dec. 12, 2021, 1:35 a.m.

I’m always amazed by your recipes. It taste so good, it’s rich and easy to make. I love it!

PUL Team - Dec. 13, 2021, 8:07 a.m.

Such a huge compliment! Thank you for taking the time to share 💚

Reply
Celina - Dec. 10, 2021, 10:49 p.m.

Omg I love this!! I made this today for my family and everyone loved it, especially my brother who can't get enough of mexican food. I will be making this many more times because it is so simple too!

PUL Team - Dec. 11, 2021, 10:31 p.m.

Aw so nice to make the recipe for everyone! We're so happy it was enjoyed, Celina 🥰

Reply
Clara - Oct. 5, 2021, 11:22 a.m.

Very delicious and filling ! :) i especially love the spiced beans !!

Reply
Anna - Sept. 28, 2021, 8:18 p.m.

I've made this so many times! It's an absolute favorite. I often make it for dinner and instead of chilling and storing ingredients, I serve it all hot in a big bowl with tortilla chips. The dressing really takes it to the next level.

PUL Team - Sept. 29, 2021, 7:11 p.m.

Mmm sounds so delicious, Anna, thank you😃

Reply
Ellie - Aug. 30, 2021, 12:33 a.m.

De-li-ci-ous!!!
Perfect for week lunches. It's so simple and the dressing makes it extra delicious.
I live in Canada and used Classico pasta sauce glasses which are perfect for this.
I changed the recipe up a bit and added Mexican veggie ground "beef" that I fried crispy. I'm keeping the dressing and avocado separate.
10/10 will do again!

PUL Team - Aug. 31, 2021, 1:23 a.m.

Mmm sounds so lovely, Ellie, thanks for sharing your experience with this one!

Reply
Thais Gomez - Aug. 29, 2021, 2 a.m.

I love meals in jars, are so tasty and convenient :)

Reply
Ali - Aug. 9, 2021, 2:02 p.m.

Made this a few times now. I found the spice mix for the beans just a little too much (like too powdery) so I use slightly less than the recipe amounts for each. So good!!

Reply
Luise - July 26, 2021, 12:46 p.m.

This was sooo yummy, quite addictive also 🤗

Reply
Amyrantha - July 25, 2021, 8:45 p.m.

Super delicious 🤤 and great to prepare ahead

Reply
Christina - July 25, 2021, 6:37 p.m.

Love this recipe, it's in my regular lunch prep rotation. And if you're not sure about the pickled jalapeno slices: I 100% recommend. I'm now officially addicted. :)

Reply
Charlotte - July 24, 2021, 3:15 p.m.

I love this salad during the warmer months, especially as I am a big fan of Mexican food! I think it is not only delicious but super easy to prepare. I tend to make the rice, beans and dressing on day one and then assemble it with the fresh veggies over the next four days for tasty lunches.

PUL Team - July 25, 2021, 9:47 p.m.

So glad the recipe has been enjoyed, Charlotte!

Reply
Jade - July 9, 2021, 2:30 a.m.

I work night shifts at Mcdonalds and would usually end just eating food there on my break which never made me feel good (mentally and physically) but meal prepping this recipe (along with others like the yummy rose pasta!) and taking it with me to work for dinner has made me feel much better and as a plus I'm more full (so I don't have craving for nuggets lol) and more energy for the rest of my shift!

Thank you so much!

PUL Team - July 12, 2021, 8:02 a.m.

Huge props to you, Jade, for taking on night shifts AND meal prepping for them! We're so humbled that the recipe has been enjoyed 🥰

Reply
Sabrina - June 6, 2021, 12:57 a.m.

I made this and it was delicious. I added vegan shredded cheese and avocado, so good.

PUL Team - June 6, 2021, 3:29 a.m.

Mmm love the addition of vegan cheese and avocado! Thank you, Sabrina 🤩

Reply
Kirsty - April 12, 2021, 4:40 p.m.

My partner and I have really differing tastes so I struggle to find something we both enjoy and will keep coming back to. This recipe has been amazing for us as it’s healthy, easy to make and something we both love! Literally have this every week. Thanks so much Sadia!

PUL Team - April 12, 2021, 4:43 p.m.

Aww thank you, Kirsty, for taking the time to share this with us! We're so happy you and your partner are enjoying this one 🙂

Reply
Shradha - March 24, 2021, 8:29 p.m.

I've made this so many times now. It's just so full of flavor and spice. Love it.

PUL Team - April 2, 2021, 5:52 p.m.

We're so happy to hear you've been enjoying this one, Shradha 😀

Reply