A vibrant and flavorful dish combining black beans, rice, and a zesty lime dressing.
Rinse and drain the black beans, then add them to a large mixing bowl.
Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium content and enhances their flavor.
Add the cooked rice to the bowl with the beans.
Use slightly warm rice to help the ingredients combine better.
Chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl.
Chop the cilantro finely for a more even distribution of flavor.
Juice the lime into a small bowl, then whisk in the olive oil.
Roll the lime on the counter before juicing to extract more juice.
Finely dice the red onion and mince the garlic, then add them to the dressing.
Soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor.
Season the dressing with salt and ground black pepper, then mix well.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Pour the dressing over the bean and rice mixture, then toss to combine.
Toss gently to avoid breaking the beans.
Serve the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.
This salad tastes even better after resting for an hour to let the flavors meld.