🥄 The Lazy Girl Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Amazing
Need a cold, no-cook, protein-packed lunch you can actually look forward to? This overnight black bean salad in a jar is your new go-to.
It’s meal prep that doesn’t taste like punishment—and it’s ready in 10 minutes, no stove required.Whether you’re avoiding heat, rushing out the door, or just tired of sad desk salads, this recipe saves you time and keeps you full.
🧑🍳 : My Fridge, My Rules
It was 98°F, the power had flickered twice, and I refused to turn on the stove. Desperate for something cold, filling, and non-microwavable, I whipped up this black bean salad using pantry basics and fresh veggies.
A few hours in the fridge later—BOOM: chilled magic. The beans soaked up all the garlicky-lime dressing, the corn stayed crunchy, and I didn’t break a sweat. Now I batch these jars every Sunday.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredient Role
Canned black beans (rinsed) Protein + fiber base
Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) Sweet crunch
Cherry tomatoes Juicy freshness
Red onion Zing and crunch
Bell pepper Color + texture
Lime juice Tangy, refreshing dressing
Olive oil Dressing base
Garlic (minced) Punch of flavor
Cumin + paprika Earthy spice blend
Salt & pepper Balance and boost
Optional: avocado, feta, cilantro Bonus toppings
🛍️ Recommended Tool
📋 Recipe Card – Overnight Black Bean Salad (Meal Prep in a Jar)
Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 4–12 hours Total Time: 10 minutes + chill Cuisine: Latin-inspired, American Course: Lunch, Side dish, Meal prep
Overnight Black Bean Salad (High-Protein Meal Prep in a Jar!)
Course: 30-Minute Dinners, 30-Minute Meals, Breakfast u0026amp; Brunch, Budget-Friendly Recipes, Healthy u0026amp; Light, International FlavorsOvernight black bean salad meal prep
Ingredients
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ½ red bell pepper, chopped
– ¼ red onion, finely chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– ½ tsp cumin
– ½ tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro, avocado, or feta cheese
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Divide into mason jars or airtight containers. Chill overnight for best flavor.
- Optional: top with avocado, cilantro, or feta before serving.
Notes
- Keep refrigerated up to 4 days. Do not add avocado until ready to eat.
🧠 Why You’ll Love It
No cooking required
Vegan + gluten-free
Fiber-rich + high protein
Cheap ingredients = budget win
Customizable with fridge staples
Perfect for hot days or lazy prep
📦 Meal Prep Tips
Layer for freshness: dressing at the bottom, beans/veg next, greens on top
No soggy salad syndrome: keep lettuce or avocado separate until serving
Spice boost: Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce before sealing the jar
🔁 Links for Other Amazing Recipes
Low-Calorie Dips for the 4th of July
💬 Reader Comments
> Maria: “I meal prepped this for work lunches and actually looked forward to eating it.
A first.”James: “Added crumbled feta and tortilla chips on the side. Game changer.”Your turn! How did you make it your own?
Drop your remix in the comments 👇
❓ FAQs
Can I use dried beans?Yes, just cook and cool them first. Canned is faster and just as good here.
Can I freeze this?Not recommended—fresh vegetables don’t freeze well in this combo.
What can I eat this with?Tortilla chips, lettuce wraps, taco bowls, or even grilled chicken.
✅ Conclusion
Meal prep can be boring. This overnight black bean salad is anything but. It’s bold, flavorful, filling—and ridiculously easy to throw together when you’re tired, hungry, and avoiding your stove like the plague.
With just a few cans, some veggies, and 10 minutes of your time, you’ll have a lunch that actually feels like a treat. No more sad, soggy salads. Just crisp, cool, crave-worthy eats all week long.
Love protein-packed lazy meals like this? Subscribe for more no-cook weekday lunch recipes that won’t break a sweat—or your budget.Tag @30MinuteBites on Instagram and show us your mason jar masterpieces using #beanqueenenergy 🫘💪