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Ultimate Southwest Black Bean & Corn Taco Bowls

Ultimate Southwest Black Bean & Corn Taco Bowls

Here's a question: what do you make when it's too hot to cook, but a boring salad just won't cut it? These Ultimate Southwest Black Bean & Corn Taco Bowls are my answer, and honestly, they've become a weekly staple in my house every summer. They're loaded, crunchy, tangy, and completely vegan, no stove required.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dessert, DINNER, healthy dinner, No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Calories: 583

Ingredients
  

  • For the Lime Crema
  • 5 tablespoons vegan sour cream
  • ⅛ teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • For the Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 scallions thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • For the Bowls
  • 1 15-ounce can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 2 cups corn kernels from 2 large ears
  • 1 cup chopped drained roasted red peppers
  • ½ cup dairy-free shredded cheddar
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 4 ounces tortilla chips
  • Don't skip the roasted red peppers they add a slightly smoky sweetness that balances out the tang from the lime and jalapeños perfectly.

Equipment

  • The equipment list here is refreshingly short, which is basically my favorite kind of recipe.
  • A small bowl - for whisking the lime crema
  • A large bowl - for the vinaigrette and tossing the lettuce and cabbage
  • A medium bowl - for tossing the black beans in dressing
  • A whisk - for both the crema and the vinaigrette
  • 4 serving bowls - for building your taco bowls
  • That's it. No blender, no food processor, no fancy gadgets collecting dust in your cabinet. If you own basic bowls and a whisk, you're fully equipped.

Method
 

  1. Step 1- Make the Lime Crema
  2. Whisk together the vegan sour cream, lime zest, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Add the water and whisk again to combine. Set aside.
  4. That's it. This crema comes together in under two minutes, and it's the finishing drizzle that ties the whole bowl together.
  5. Step 2- Make the Vinaigrette and Dress the Beans
  6. Combine the olive oil, sliced scallions, salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice in a large bowl. Whisk well.
  7. Transfer 2 tablespoons of this dressing to a medium bowl, then add the rinsed black beans and toss to coat.
  8. Let the beans sit for 5 minutes so they soak up all that tangy flavor.
  9. Five minutes might not sound like much, but it makes a noticeable difference. Skip this step and your beans taste a little flat by comparison.
  10. Step 3- Assemble the Bowls
  11. Add the lettuce and cabbage to the large bowl with the remaining vinaigrette. Toss well to coat.
  12. Divide the lettuce mixture evenly among 4 bowls.
  13. Top each bowl with the dressed black beans, corn, roasted red peppers, dairy-free cheddar, red onion, and pickled jalapeños.
  14. Drizzle with the lime crema and garnish with extra scallions, if you're feeling fancy.
  15. Serve with 4 ounces of tortilla chips on the side for scooping.

Notes

Nutrition Breakdown

Curious what you're getting nutrition-wise? Here's the full rundown per serving, using the vegan swaps above:
  • Calorie-  583kcal
  • Total Carbohydrate- 68g
  • Dietary Fiber- 14g
  • Total Sugars- 11g
  • Added Sugars- 0g
  • Protein- 17g
  • Total Fat- 30g
  • Saturated Fat- 7g
  • Cholesterol- 0mg
  • Vitamin A- 357mcg
  • Vitamin C- 112mg
  • Folate- 209mcg
  • Vitamin K- 146mcg
  • Sodium- 403mg
  • Calcium- 257mg
  • Iron- 5mg
  • Magnesium- 114mg
  • Potassium- 988mg
  • Zinc- 2mg