Over the past few months, we’ve been celebrating pantry staples and sharing a few of our favorite ways to use them. (Remember my chickpea round up?)
Today we’re talking all about those glorious black beans. I’ve been cooking with black beans ever since I can remember. My mom used to add black beans, chickpeas and other types of beans to her famous Puerto Rican recipes, which always inspired me to experiment with different types of beans.
Did you know that black beans are in the “pulses” family? Today I’m partnering up with USA Pulses to show some amazing ways to use black beans and to share all of the great ways to incorporate pulses into some of my favorite healthy staple recipes — from salads and soups to breakfast and even dessert!
What are pulses?
Pulses are dry peas, chickpeas, lentils and beans (like black beans!) They’re an amazing source of plant-based protein and fiber, and are extremely versatile for sweet and savory recipes. I especially love them because they’re shelf-stable and super nutritious — truly a pantry essential all year round.
Benefits of cooking with pulses
- Low cost: a can of beans, chickpeas or lentils is usually under $2!
- Packed with nutrients: one serving of black beans has 7g of protein and 6g of fiber.
- Versatile: while there are plenty of savory lunch & dinner recipes that you can dream up using pulses, they’re also a great ingredient to bake with to make sweet treats.
Head to www.pulses.org for even more info, tips & tricks for cooking with pulses!
Black bean recipes for every meal
These healthy black bean recipes have tons of flavor and nutrients. I included a mix of sweet and savory recipes, plus plenty of gluten free and vegan black bean recipes. You’ll find burgers, enchiladas, chilis, salads, fun appetizers, breakfast ideas and even brownies! There’s truly a black bean recipe for every meal.
I hope you love these healthy black bean recipes! If you make any of them, be sure to head to the recipe to leave a comment and a rating. I really appreciate it — xo!
Apps & Snacks
Vegetarian Plantain & Black Bean Taco Cups
Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins
Tofu Vegan Nachos with Cashew Cheese Sauce
Hearty Salads
Vegetarian Southwest Sweet Potato Taco Bowls
Fiesta Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Southwest Chicken Salad with Chipotle Greek Yogurt Dressing
High-Protein Black Bean Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad with Pineapple Corn Salsa
Healthy Southwest Pasta Salad with Chipotle-Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing
Middle Eastern Chickpea & Black Bean Salad
Tacos, Enchiladas & Burritos
Chipotle Black Bean Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
Jalapeño Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos with Avocado-Lime Crema
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado Lime Crema
Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce
Low Carb Chicken Zucchini Enchilada Bake
Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna with Garlic Tahini Tofu Cream
Black Bean, Corn and Quinoa Enchilada Bake (or dip!)
Spicy Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas with Chipotle Greek Yogurt Sauce
Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
Healthy Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Avocado Breakfast Burritos
Chilis & Soups
Actually, the Best Vegetarian Chili Ever
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Black Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Black Bean, Sweet Potato, and Quinoa Chili with Smoked Chipotle
Two-Bean and Corn Chipotle Turkey Chili
Slow Cooker Black Bean Quinoa Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Vegetarian Black Bean Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Black Bean, Quinoa & Chicken Tortilla Soup
Creative Dinner Ideas
Stovetop Southwest Tuna Mac and Cheese
Ultimate Vegan Black Bean Burgers with Creamy Tahini Garlic Sauce
3-Ingredient Grilled Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Layered Roasted Veggie, Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tortilla Pie
The Most Delicious Meatless Black Bean Loaf with Creamy Avocado Verde Sauce (vegan, gluten free)
Better Than Chipotle DIY Chicken Burrito Bowls
Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Black Bean, Corn & Sweet Potato
New Mexican Green Chile Black Bean Burgers
Sweet Treats
Flourless Black Bean Brownie Muffins
New & Improved Healthy Avocado Black Bean Brownies
This post is in partnership with USA Pulses. All text and opinions are my own.
