Chilled Yam & Black Bean Salad
A vibrant, chilled salad combining tender roasted yams with hearty black beans, crisp bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a refreshing summer side, this colorful dish comes together easily and tastes even better the next day.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~45 min
Prepare the black beans.
Soak dried black beans overnight. Drain, then simmer in fresh water until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and let cool completely. If using pre-cooked beans, simply drain and rinse.
- prep · ~2 min
Preheat the oven and season the yams.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Toss cubed yams with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper.3.Spread evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. - roast · ~25 min
Roast the yams.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fork-tender and lightly caramelized on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
- mix · ~1 min
Make the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and fresh lime juice until emulsified.
- assemble · ~2 min
Combine the salad.
1.In a large bowl, combine cooled roasted yams, black beans, diced bell pepper, and red onion.2.Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat.3.Fold in the chopped cilantro. - rest · ~30 min
Chill the salad.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cut yams into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and tenderness.
- 2Roast yams in a single layer without overcrowding to get caramelized edges.
- 3Let the roasted yams cool completely before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- 4For extra depth, toast the cumin powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before using.
- 5Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- 6Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes—overnight is even better for flavor melding.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or 150g of grilled chicken for extra protein, making this a complete one-bowl meal.
veganVegan
The recipe is already vegan; to keep it fully plant-based, just ensure any added toppings (e.g., cheese) are omitted.
spicySpicy
Toss in 1 diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the dressing for a kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Black beans and yams both provide generous amounts of fiber, supporting digestion and prolonged satiety.
Packed with Antioxidants
The orange color of yams signals beta-carotene, while bell peppers and lime add vitamin C for immune support.
Low in Saturated Fat
This salad relies on olive oil for healthy monounsaturated fats, with no added butter or cream.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, sweet potatoes work well — they have a slightly firmer texture and similar sweetness, but roast time may be 2-3 minutes shorter.







