Tired of the same old salad? Mix things up with this Black Bean Mango Salad! It takes only a few minutes to make, and it’s great as a side salad or on it’s own as a light meal.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
I realize that I’m a bit late to the party, but I’ve recently been reading Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events books. When the Netflix series came out earlier this year, Dennis and I binged watched them, and we were left wanting more. Rather than wait until who knows when for the next season, I started reading the books.
Although I still have a few more to go, I’ve been reading through the books quite quickly. As much as I want to find out if Count Olaf is ever defeated, I’ve been enjoying spending time with the Baudelaires, and I don’t want it to end. Yes, these are kids’ books, but they are written in a way that adults will enjoy, too.
In The Slippery Slope, Mr. Snicket has hidden a letter to his sister, because he’s quite sure that no one will want to read the book. In the letter he tells her that her suggestion of “a simple combination of sliced mango, black beans, and chopped celery mixed with black pepper, lime juice, and olive oil would make a delicious chilled salad” turned out be correct.
Snicket Salad
“Hmm… that sounds good,” I thought, “but I’m not sure if I’d like all of that celery.” And as if he read my mind, in the letter’s postscript, he states that the salad is just as delicious with hearts of palm rather than celery. Now that sounds like my kind of salad! Of course, I had to try it. The Snickets were correct – it is a delicious salad.
Later in the book, in a flashback, the Baudelaire’s mother is preparing for a luncheon, and she’s made the same salad. She explains to baby Sunny that it’s not a complicated recipe, but if it’s arranged nicely on fancy plates, people will think the dish took a look of time to prepare. “Often, when cooking, the presentation of the food can be as important as the food itself.” I think any food blogger will agree.
Black Bean Mango Salad
I’ve enjoyed this Black Bean Mango Salad (or Snicket Salad as I’ve been calling it) as a side dish with sandwiches. To make a meal out of it, I’ve added some avocado and served it over chopped romaine lettuce. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, and cookouts. Serve it on a fancy plate, and your guests will think you slaved away in the kitchen for hours!
Black Bean Mango Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ tablespoon black pepper plus more for serving
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 14-ounce can black beans
- 14-ounce jar of hearts of palm thinly sliced
- 2 mangos peeled and diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, black pepper, salt, and crusted red pepper flakes.
- In a large bowl, mix together the black beans, hearts of palm, and mangos. Gently fold in the dressing.
- Chill for about half an hour before serving. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper.
Oh my gosh, what a perfect summer supper. I’d love this on its own or in tacos!
Thanks, Becky! I bet this would be good in tacos! I’m going to have to try that next.
I read the books years ago, but I haven’t watched Lemony Snicket on Netflix yet. I better get on that! And of course I know I’m going to love this salad!
You should watch the show – it’s a lot of fun!
I’ll check it out! I’m in the need of a new show.
I hope you like it!
I love mango, especially with spice. I bet this would go great with chips or on tacos and burritos!
I bet it would be great with chips or in tacos and burritos!
I love mango in bean salads like this – savory salty sweet is perfect for summer!
Thank you, Kristina!
I definitely am tired of boring old salads – this one looks great. I need to get into A Series of Unfortunate Events. The movie looks good and I keep putting off watching till I read them.
Thanks, Mary Ellen! The books are a quick read, and they’re definitely a lot of fun.
Yum!! Love that there are Hearts of Palm in there too. Such a great combo!
Thanks, Jenn!
This does sound like a perfect lunch! Love the simplicity and that you’re taking advantage of the seasonal, delicious mangos!
Thank you, Sarah!
This sound very delicious and my favorite fruit Mango is here. I am going to love this salad:)
Thanks, Uma! I hope you enjoy it.
This looks like such a refreshing summer salad. I’ve actually never had hearts of palm.
Thanks, Alisa. You should try it!
I love any type of mango salsa…I like that you added the black beans on this!
Thank you!
I love red pepper chili flakes with mango! This salad looks very summery and easy and delicious!
Thank you, Julia!
I love black beans and mangoes together! So yummy! And the heart of palm addition makes this salad really stand out!
Thank you, Sarah!
Saw this on FB and now again wanting a mango bean salad – I think mango is SO good with beans! I need to start using hearts of palm more often, I’ve only done so a couple of times.
Thanks, Dreena! You should use it more!
What a great combo, Dianne! Perfect for spring! I LOVE mango. 🙂
Thank you, Sina!
What could I use instead of the Hearts of Palm please?
Hi Wendy. I’d suggest looking for a salad that’s made with ingredients you enjoy, rather than trying to alter this one, because I can’t guarantee that it’ll turn out the way I intended if ingredients are swapped.
What a gorgeous salad. I have never tried hearts of palm. Will have to go make a trip to the store and pick up some and a couple mangoes. I wondered how that show was…. will have to give it a try. Can’t wait to try your salad. I will omit the oil as I am on the McDougall plan. Have a fabulous day.
Thank you, Cheri! I hope you enjoy it!