Des

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Black Bean Salsa

Black Bean Salsa is an easy snack recipe made with black beans, onion, tomato and cilantro. Serve it with chips or  sprinkled on tacos or nachos 

When it comes to snacking, one of my absolute favorites, without question is chips and salsa. It is one snack that I will never turn down. I’ll eat spicy habanero salsa, corn salsa and of course fresh Pico de Gallo.

This black bean salsa is the latest salsa addition to our rotation and it’s a good one friends. It is loaded with black beans, tomatoes, onions, seasonings and cilantro. The black beans, full of protein, also make this salsa a hearty snack option.

It is so full of flavor, you’re going to love it! Let’s talk about what you’re going to need to make it.

Black Bean Salsa Ingredients: 

You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to get this black bean salsa on the table and most of them you’ll probably have on hand already. 

  • BLACK BEANS: To make things as easy as possible, you’ll want to use canned black beans. Make sure that they are drained and rinsed well. 
  • ONION: Yellow or white onion are going to be the best for this recipe because they are mild. 
  • TOMATOES: Use diced roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. 
  • CUMIN: Adds a warm flavor to the salsa and pairs well with the beans. 
  • CHILI POWDER: Adds a bit of smoky heat to the salsa. 
  • CILANTRO: I love adding cilantro to my salsas that being said, I know some people don’t like it. If that is you, feel free to leave it out. 
  • SALT

How do you make black bean salsa?

You’ll find that the hardest thing about making black bean salsa is waiting for the flavors to meld. Other than that you just mix everything in a bowl and voilà salsa! 

Just a couple of tips to making the perfect black bean salsa:

1: You want to make sure that the tomatoes and the onions are cut to similar sizes that are a little smaller than the beans. This just makes it easier to eat. 

2: It is very important to make sure that the black beans are really well drained. This will prevent the salsa from being too watery. 

When it comes to dipping and serving, homemade tortilla chips or lime tortilla chips are a great option! You can also spoon it over the top of tacos and nachos.

A chip dipping in black bean salsa.

Storage and Leftovers:

This salsa is even better the next day! So it is a great option to make in advance. Refrigerate any leftovers and eat within 5 days.

Looking for more salsa recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Cabbage Salsa is a great way to sneak more veggies into your snacking. It’s also great on top of tacos!

Love jalapeños? You’ve got to try jalapeño salsa!

Cucumber Salsa is a delicious refreshing summer snack!

Note: Originally posted in 2009. Updated in 2023.

Black Bean Salsa

A fresh salsa made with black beans, onion, fresh cilantro, chili powder, cumin and, just for a little kick, some cayenne pepper.
Prep Time 35 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces canned black beans drained
  • 1/3 cup minced onion
  • 2 medium tomatoes seeded and diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • kosher salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. The longer the better.
  • Serve with tortilla chips.

Notes

Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 7gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 416mgPotassium: 505mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 653IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: beaches restaurant, black beans, diet, healthy, salsa, tomatoes

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Mindy T.
    August 4, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    Can I make this with other kinds of beans? Black beans don’t get along with my husband’s tummy. I’m thinking maybe pintos or red silk beans – what do you think?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      August 12, 2023 at 4:05 pm

      Mandy, I think it would be great with pintos!

  • Reply
    Britta
    March 23, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    I LOVED this dip. I ate it so fast I can’t believe I even tasted it. The flavors are all amazing. It is also really filling. I agree with Soma…I could’ve eaten this with a spoon! But multigrain tortilla chips were also amazing with it. Thank you for the recipe.

  • Reply
    cassie
    August 25, 2009 at 10:16 am

    I want this for dinner tonight.

  • Reply
    Soma
    August 25, 2009 at 7:39 am

    you know with a recipe like this, i don’t even need chips. i am known to eat this with a spoon, after spoon just by itself.

  • Reply
    inspiredfoodie-josipa
    August 25, 2009 at 4:33 am

    I saw a a photo on tastespotting and i had to check out the recipe cause i`m making a salsa for my mother`s birthday… this is a great idea and looks so delicious…

  • Reply
    zoe
    August 24, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    Mm love black beans. Great easy dip!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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