Zesty Lime Marinated Black Bean Bowl
This zesty lime marinated black bean bowl is the perfect balance of tangy, fresh, and satisfying flavors. It features marinated black beans tossed with crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and herbed rice or quinoa. Topped with a lime-garlic dressing, this dish is nutrient-packed, high in plant protein, and ready in just 20 minutes!
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Lime-Marinated Black Beans:
1 ½ cups cooked or canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
Juice and zest of 1 large lime
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes for mild heat
For the Bowl:
1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (warm or chilled)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ avocado, sliced or cubed
2 tablespoons crumbled feta (optional, or use vegan feta)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
For the Zesty Lime Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Black Beans:
In a medium bowl, mix lime juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add black beans, stir well, and let them marinate for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until creamy and emulsified.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
1. Place cooked rice or quinoa at the base of each bowl.
2. Add marinated black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and avocado.
3. Drizzle the zesty lime dressing generously over the top.
4. Sprinkle with feta and chopped herbs.
4. Toss and Serve:
Mix lightly so each bite gets a bit of tangy lime flavor.
Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for a refreshing cold bowl.
Notes & Tips
Swap black beans with chickpeas or lentils for variety.
Add corn kernels or grilled zucchini for extra sweetness.
To make it heartier, top with a fried egg or grilled chicken strips.
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days — great for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Warm pita or tortilla chips
A side of Greek yogurt-lime sauce or tzatziki
Fresh leafy greens for added crunch
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use canned black beans?
Yes — just rinse and drain them thoroughly before marinating.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the components and store separately. Add avocado and dressing before serving.
Q: Can I skip feta?
Absolutely — it’s just for creaminess. You can use diced avocado or a spoon of hummus instead.
ℹ️ Nutritional information
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 16g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 11g
Calcium: 8% DV