Black Bean Salad With Goat Cheese (Super Easy!)
If you're looking for a refreshing black bean salad with goat cheese, look no further! I could hardly believe how much I was tempted to snack on this stuff! Perfect for serving by itself or with chips, pitas, or alongside any meal. This stuff was positively addictive!
Why You'll Love This Black Bean Salad With Goat Cheese
It's SOOOO Yummy! I can't even express how much I just wanted to stand there with a spoon instead of being a responsible human and photographing this salad. My husband thought it was delicious, too! The Dijon is like a magic secret ingredient, and the tangy sweetness of the vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese. I never would have thought of putting black beans with goat cheese but boy did it pay off. Thank you, internet, for the inspiration!
It's Fast! How does 20 minutes of prep sound? Pretty great if you ask me! The key is to marinade the onion in vinegar WHILE you're doing the chopping. That way it can be ready to toss in the salad with everything else.
It's Unique! Ever wanted to bring something not-cliche to a party but also not...weird? Tell me I'm not the only one. The great thing about this salad is it just makes sense. But it's also not macaroni or potato salad which can only be so exciting with 20 zillion recipes on the internet.
Ingredients in Black Bean Salad With Goat Cheese
Black Beans- maybe a "duh" moment given the title of this recipe, but I have to throw in the fact that I love how filling and cheap black beans are. Plus, when you only have to open a can and out come these shiny black gems, well, can anyone complain?
Cucumber- adds a beautiful crunch to this salad and pairs so perfectly with the vinaigrette!
White Vinegar- adds tang to the recipes and also plays a key role in making the onion less strong.
Roma Tomato- the tomato is perfect because it adds brightness and acidity to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients!
Agave- you could also sub in honey here! The sweetness the agave adds is so perfect with the spicy Dijon and the acidity of the vinegar. Mmmmm.
Dijon Mustard- adds the perfect tang and spiciness to this fantastic dish.
Goat Cheese- because what would black bean salad with goat cheese be without...the goat cheese? I especially love the creaminess this adds to the dish. I may or may not have snitched some goat cheese while eating this delicious salad. Can anyone blame me?
How to Make Black Bean Salad With Goat Cheese
1. Marinade Red Onion In White Vinegar for 10 minutes
Place diced red onion in small bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of white vinegar over the onions and let marinade for 10 minutes. This will prevent the onion from being overpowering.
2. Make the Marinade
While waiting, make the Dijon marinade. Combine 2 tablespoons honey (or agave), 2 tablespoons neutral oil, white vinegar, salt, and Dijon. Whisk until combined.
3. Combine The Veggies (not the goat cheese!)
While waiting, make the Dijon marinade. Combine 2 tablespoons honey (or agave), 2 tablespoons neutral oil, white vinegar, salt, and Dijon. Whisk until combined. Do not add the goat cheese yet! Adding it and mixing it in will cause it to "dissolve" into the dish making it quite unattractive
4. Garnish With Goat Cheese
Yes the step we've been waiting for! Sprinkled crumbled goat cheese on and serve immediately!
What To Serve With Black Bean Salad With Goat Cheese
Curious how to serve this wonderfully delicious salad? Here are a few ideas:
With Chips! Yes tortilla chips are the best! You could also serve these with pita chips and hummus. Mmmm I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
Alongside Soup: If you're looking for ideas, I highly recommend checking out this cozy orzo soup! This salad would be the perfect complement since it is light and fresh and the soup is cozy and comforting.
With Bread: Warm up this sourdough discard naan bread or toast no-knead artisan wheat bread to use as vehicles to get this salad into your mouth ASAP! You could also use this pita bread recipe here!
As an Appetizer- Serve with crackers and other dips! If you're looking for additional dip options, check out this hot cottage cheese taco dip or this creamy cottage cheese ranch dip. Dips are so great for parties and dips!
With Crackers- Check out this cracker recipe here if you're looking to go the extra mile and go homemade!
FAQ's About Black Bean Salad With Goat Cheese
Why Can't I Mix In The Goat Cheese Early?
As amazing as goat cheese is to eat, it looks like mold when you blend it in with this salad! It tastes fantastic, but I beg of you, do NOT mix it in! Sprinkle it on top for a beautiful salad with amazing goat cheese flavor.
Why Marinade the Red Onion In Vinegar?
This will help cut down on the strength of the onion. It allows it to enhance the dish without taking over!
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes, you can make it several days ahead IF you don't add the goat cheese until right before serving! Adding it too soon will result in ugly salad and mushy goat cheese.
This delicious black bean salad feature juicy cucumbers, tomatoes, a Dijon vinagrette, and the star ingredient: goat cheese!
- 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and strained
- 1 cucumber, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
- 1 Roma Tomato, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar, divided
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon neutral oil ((I used canola))
- 1 4 oz log goat cheese (plain) (crumbled)
- Place diced red onion in small bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of white vinegar over the onions and let marinade for 10 minutes. This will prevent the onion from being overpowering.
- While waiting, make the Dijon marinade. Combine 2 tablespoons honey (or agave), 2 tablespoons neutral oil, white vinegar, salt, and Dijon. Whisk until combined.
- Once the onion has marinated, drain off the excess vinegar and blot with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, combine drained beans, diced cucumber, and roma tomato, and red onion.
- Pour the Dijon marinade over the salad.
Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the salad ONLY right before serving. Don't stir or it will "dissolve" into the salad and become unattractive. :)
- Serve immediately