What Can You Serve with a Black Bean Jicama Salad?
Jicama and black bean salad is a refreshing twist on mundane side dishes. Light tasting but full of robust flavors, the seasonings in this salad can be adapted to suit many kinds of cuisines as a great side dish.
Thai Flavors
Before adding the seasoning to your black bean jicama salad, consider adding some Thai flavors. Fresh lime and cilantro are likely called for in most recipes and with a few additional ingredients you can drastically alter the flavor profile. Substitute a tablespoon of sesame oil for a like amount of any other oil called for in the recipe, and add a handful of chopped dry roasted peanuts. The fresh lime juice and cilantro will perk up the flavors and a pinch of dried chili flakes will spice things up. This Thai-style salad will go great alongside tofu for a vegetarian meal, or grilled fish.
Italian
Substitute the lime and cilantro flavors with lemon and basil and suddenly the flavors are reminiscent of Italian cuisine. The addition of chopped olives or a tablespoon of drained capers will go great with the beans and jicama. Consider adding some chopped plum tomatoes for added color and flavor. Serve this colorful salad with grilled vegetables and your favorite cut of steak for a flavorful feast.
Latin
The sunny flavors of Latin America are easily incorporated into this salad with the added ingredients of lime or orange juice, cilantro and finely chopped jalapeno peppers. The black bean jicama salad would then pair perfectly with chicken enchiladas with a tomatillo sauce. For more intense flavors, pair the salad with slow-roasted beef or pork topped with a mole sauce.
Vegetarian
Jicama and black bean salad makes a great stand-alone meal, but it can be a satisfying vegetarian entrée when combined with textured soy "ground beef" for added protein, or even used as a stuffing for baked acorn squash or zucchini boats. This salad has the versatility of being served warm, and a sprinkle of melted cheese on top would complete the meal.
Fried Foods
Proteins like fried chicken or pan-fried catfish would go great with this salad as the citrus element in the salad would counter the heavy greasiness of the fried meat. Served on the side, or spooned over top, el fresco style with a dollop of crème fraiche, would elevate this simple meal to gourmet levels. Do not top the fried food with the salad too soon prior to serving as the liquid in the salad may drench the crusty coating of the meat.
Tags: black bean, salad with, adding some, bean jicama, bean salad