High-Protein Black Bean Salad

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In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.

Black bean salad with vegetables and a light garnish
Credit:

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Ingredients for a black bean salad including beans sweet potatoes lettuce vegetables citrus fruits spices and herbs

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 medium sweet potato, scrubbed and cut into ½-inch pieces (about cups)

  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil plus ¼ cup, divided

  • ¾ teaspoon ground allspice

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1⅛ teaspoons salt, divided

  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (from 2 medium limes)

  • 2 tablespoons orange juice (from 1 small orange)

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1 medium clove garlic, grated (about ½ teaspoon)

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added black beans, rinsed

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)

  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion

  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • ½ cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts

  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced into half-moons (optional)

  • 1 large romaine lettuce heart, chopped (about 5 cups)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potatoes with 2 teaspoons oil, ¾ teaspoon allspice, ½ teaspoon cumin and ⅛ teaspoon salt on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until browned and tender, about 20 minutes.

    Baking sheet with roasted cubed vegetables

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

  2. Meanwhile, whisk 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 teaspoon honey, the grated garlic and the remaining ¼ cup oil and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add rinsed black beans, chopped bell pepper, ½ cup each onion, cilantro and peanuts, and the sliced jalapeño (if using); toss to coat.

    A bowl of mixed black bean salad with diced vegetables being stirred with a wooden spoon

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

  3. When ready to serve, add the roasted sweet potatoes and chopped romaine to the bean mixture; toss to coat.

    A bowl of black bean salad with vegetables and a wooden spoon

    Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

EatingWell.com, July 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

595 Calories
27g Fat
74g Carbs
23g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 1½ cups
Calories 595
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 74g 27%
Dietary Fiber 24g 86%
Total Sugars 13g
Added Sugars 1g 2%
Protein 23g 46%
Total Fat 27g 34%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 1795µg
Vitamin C 65mg 73%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 6mg 39%
Folate 571µg
Vitamin K 315µg
Sodium 653mg 28%
Calcium 233mg 18%
Iron 9mg 48%
Magnesium 178mg 42%
Potassium 1923mg 41%
Zinc 3mg 25%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.