Craving a healthy and delicious meal that satisfies your hunger without derailing your weight loss goals? Look no further than this vibrant Mexican Bean Celery Salad! Packed with protein-rich black beans, crunchy celery, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying alternative to heavier, calorie-laden dishes. The satisfying crunch and bold flavors make it a perfect lunch, light dinner, or even a healthy snack. This recipe is surprisingly easy to customize; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or a sprinkle of your preferred spices for an extra kick.
This high-protein, low-calorie salad is the ideal choice for anyone looking to incorporate nutritious and flavorful meals into their weight loss journey. It's a fantastic way to boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals while keeping you full and energized. Ready to make this delicious and healthy salad? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- jar
- bowl
Ingredients
- Boiled chickpeas: equal parts
- Boiled sweet corn: equal parts
- Celery
- Onion: finely chopped
- Yellow bell pepper: finely chopped
- Tomatoes (seeds removed): optional
- Green chillies: finely chopped
- Green coriander: chopped, optional
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chilli powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chilli powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dry ginger
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Garlic: optional
- Avocado: optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Salad Base
- Prepare equal amounts of boiled chickpeas, boiled sweet corn, and finely chopped celery.
- Add finely chopped onion, yellow bell pepper, and optionally, deseeded tomatoes.
- Include finely chopped green chillies and optional green coriander.
Step 2. Make the Zesty Dressing
- In a jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional), salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, dry ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sugar (optional).
- Add optional garlic to the dressing.
Step 3. Combine and Toss
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and combine well.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Add optional avocado or another topping just before serving.
Read more: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe (Cold Salad)
Tips
- Using good quality boiled chickpeas and sweet corn makes a significant difference in the salad's taste.
- If you don’t like raw green capsicum, you can exclude it from the salad.
- Adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice to your preference.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent oxidation.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight.
2. Can I substitute other beans?
Absolutely! Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas would work well as substitutes for the black beans.
This High-Protein Mexican Bean Celery Salad is a delicious and effective tool for managing your weight while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal. Its simple ingredients and quick preparation time make it a perfect addition to any busy weeknight dinner routine. So, try this recipe today and experience the perfect blend of health and taste!