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Black Bean Bowls with Chili-Lime Dressing Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

These Black Bean Bowls with Chili-Lime Dressing are a vibrant, nutritious meal featuring roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, fresh avocado, and a creamy, zesty dressing. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this recipe combines a variety of textures and flavors including spicy jalapeño, tangy lime, and hearty black beans for a satisfying vegetarian bowl.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Beans

  • 15 oz can black beans (drained then rinsed)
  • 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced)
  • 2 avocados (diced)
  • 4 cups arugula (or baby spinach, or mixed greens)
  • 2 lbs sweet potato (~4 small, peeled then sliced into 1″ cubes)

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for roasting sweet potatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Chili-Lime Dressing

  • 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (~2 limes)
  • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise (or plain Greek Yogurt)
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  • 1-3/4 cups water
  • 1 cup long grain white rice (Lundberg Farms White Jasmine Rice recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (may not need all)

Instructions

  1. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or foil sprayed with non-stick spray. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in the center of the pan, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well with your fingers to coat evenly, then spread out in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and browned. Remove and let cool slightly.
  2. Make Chili-Lime Dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a small bowl, combine 6 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and salt & pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until smooth and well blended. This dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored refrigerated.
  3. Cook Cilantro-Lime Rice: In a small or medium saucepan, add 1-3/4 cups water, 1 cup white jasmine rice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring water to a gentle simmer over high heat, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until rice is tender and water absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and juice of 1/2 lime. Taste and add more lime juice or salt if needed. Let rice cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Bowls and Serve: Divide the cilantro-lime rice, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, sliced red onions, sliced jalapeños, diced avocados, and arugula evenly among 5 or 6 serving bowls or plates. Drizzle with the prepared creamy chili-lime dressing and serve immediately for a fresh, colorful meal.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise in the dressing with plain vegan yogurt or more olive oil and adjust sweetness to taste.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference; you can remove seeds to reduce heat.
  • The roasting time for sweet potatoes may vary slightly depending on their size; test tenderness with a fork.
  • Leftover rice and roasted sweet potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated for next-day meals.
  • You can swap arugula with baby spinach or mixed greens depending on availability or preference.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian