Simple Kale and Black Bean Burritos

This simple burrito recipe is filled with cooked black beans and lime-marinated greens. It's healthy and packed with flavor! You're going to love it.

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Simple kale and black bean burritos from cookieandkate.com

This week has been a doozy. I’ve been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, scrambling to get caught up with work before I jet off to New York City (New York City?!) for the next few days. By the time this post goes live tomorrow morning, I should be well on my way! Footloose and fancy-free we’ll be tonight once we find authentic New York pizza and a bar with many taps. That’s all we have on the itinerary so far—I haven’t had time to research where to go, what to do and perhaps most importantly, where to eat in NYC! Please, tell me what I can’t miss. I know you all will know just what I should do!

If one of my raw kale salads got with my black bean tostadas, we’d get these baby burritos. Stuffed full of beans ‘n greens and brightened with lime and feta cheese, they’re a little spicy and entirely delicious. By my fourth burrito, I had my method down to a science; I can roll up one of these babies in less than 10 minutes flat. They’re just the right size for me, but if you’re feeding a hungry boy, you might want to buy bigger tortillas and double the amounts listed below. Enjoy!

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Kale and Black Bean Burritos

  • Author: Cookie and Kate
  • Prep Time: 7 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 mins
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 burrito

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 30 reviews

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This simple burrito recipe is filled with cooked black beans and lime-marinated greens. It’s healthy and packed with flavor! You’re going to love it.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium leaves of kale, washed and dried, stems removed and roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons seeded and finely chopped fresh jalapeño (optional)
  • Big squeeze of fresh lime juice
  • Splash of olive oil
  • Pinch of ground cumin
  • Dash of chili powder
  • Dash of sea salt
  • ½ cup cooked or canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1 small (8 inch) whole wheat tortilla
  • ½ small avocado, pitted and sliced into strips lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to serve on the side (optional, not shown)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the kale, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder and sea salt. Mix well and set the bowl aside to marinate.
  2. Warm the beans and minced garlic with a couple of tablespoons of water. You can do this in your smallest sauce pan on the stove over medium-low heat (sauté the garlic in a drizzle of olive oil before adding the beans) or in a bowl in the microwave. Add little splashes of water as necessary. Use a fork to mash up the beans a little and add salt to taste, if necessary.
  3. Warm the tortilla in a skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds. Top the tortilla with the black bean mixture, sliced avocado and marinated kale (you may end up with more kale than will fit in your burrito, which you can serve on the side as a salad). Top with red onion and feta.
  4. Roll up the burrito by first folding the tortilla over from the bottom to partially cover the beans and greens, then fold in the 2 sides; finish rolling and put the burrito seam side down on a plate. Slice in half, if desired, and serve with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on the side if you’d like.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Mark Bittman’s beans ‘n greens burrito in The Food Matters Cookbook and Ashley’s jalapeno and lime marinated kale tostada.

Make it vegan: Omit the feta.

Make it gluten free: Use a gluten-free tortilla.

Nutrition

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.

Kate and Cookie

HELLO, MY NAME IS

Kathryne Taylor

I'm a vegetable enthusiast, dog lover, mother and bestselling cookbook author. I've been sharing recipes here since 2010, and I'm always cooking something new in my Kansas City kitchen. Cook with me!

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Comments

  1. Gina

    Hope you have a great time in NYC! Honestly, there are SO MANY places to eat and things to do there, I just get overwhelmed and it’s a city I’ve lived an hour outside of most of my life. My advice, don’t try to hit “all the must-see” spots and just enjoy walking around and stumbling upon things. It’s way more fun and less predictive that way :)

  2. Laura

    Milk Bar and Noodle Bar FOR SURE. Candle Cafe for healthy eats. Abraco in the east village for coffee. Pies ‘n’ Thighs in Williamsburg for brunch (and amaaazing doughnuts). Meatball Shop is fun and rowdy. Parm makes mozza sticks from fresh, house-made mozzarella. Babycakes for a cookie sandwich… I could go on and on. We leave tomorrow. So stooooked!

  3. Leanne @ HP

    Wow, your burritos are so clean and amazing looking! So bright and cheery! Enjoy NYC, I’ve heard it’s a fabulous and magical place.

  4. Lena

    i love the raw kale twist, sounds delicious. i would love to go to NYC one day! enjoy your stay.

  5. Bev Weidner

    I’m going to make these RIGHT THIS SECOND.

    Have fun in NYC! Not jealous at all.

  6. Ashley

    You’re in my city?! Ahhh – so exciting!! Email me if you want any recommendations on good places to eat and drink your face off!

  7. Ashley

    Oh! And these burritos (at least a version involving kale and black beans) are lunch today (yipee!).

  8. Katrina

    These sound awesome! Yum!

  9. Margarita

    Hi Kathryne, your burrito looks delish! I like that you added cumin, jalapeno, and avocado in your burrito. I should have added avocado in mine too. I have been to NY twice before and my advice is to just enjoy walking around and pretty soon you will stumble upon a cool place or two or three. Everywhere is great… Enjoy yourself and hope to see some trip pictures when you get back! :)

  10. Jacqui

    You’re burrito shot is perfect! I love that you used a raw kale salad for the greens too!

  11. Meg

    Have fun in NYC – if you’re visiting the Upper West Side, I’d recommend Spiga and Bistro Citron – I’ve had fabulous meals at both places when visiting my sister.

  12. Pinch and Swirl

    Burritos look enticing + Have a wonderful time in NYC!

  13. Laura (Tutti Dolci)

    Love this idea for another quick and healthy meal. Have a great time in NYC!

  14. Shoko

    Whoa! Looks like the perfect summer lunch – yum! As for places to eat in NYC, I’d recommend Roberta’s, Diner, Cookshop, Northern Spy, or Back Forty for sit-down meals; Caracas Arepa Bar, grilled cheese from Milk Truck, or Taim Falafel for cheap eats; and Billy’s Bakery, Momofuku Milk Bar, or Big Gay Ice Cream for dessert. Have so much fun!!

  15. katerina

    Simply and delicious! I’m gonna try it. Congrats :)
    xxxFiC.

  16. erin@fromcitytofarm

    Looks delicious, and perfect for summer! Ahhh, NYC…how I miss thee. I second Margarita — just walk around and stop when something catches your eye. That city changes so quick, I doubt any of my old haunts are “the thing” anymore, but one recommendation is to not eat a full meal ANYWHERE. That way you can pack your day with 20 (OK, perhaps excessive, but do try) little samples. :)

    If you’re near Ave C and 7th Ave at any point…stop in for a pint at Zum Schneider. That place NEVER let me down for a good time — http://www.zumschneider.com

  17. Jeanine

    For awesome veg food — Angelica Kitchen (bring cash), Blossom, and Candle 79 (if you have extra $ to drop). Non veg, but “farm to table” with lots of options, The Dutch.

  18. Sophie

    I think these beauties are tonight’s dinner! Sounds so good… just the inspiration I needed for the black beans and kale in my kitchen :)

    I hope you have the best time in NY! I think going without big expectations and an overwhelming list of to-dos is best, anyway. If you’re in Brooklyn, Pok Pok Wing just opened in Red Hook! amazing Thai food! Enjoy!

  19. Maria

    Simple and delicious! Love!

  20. thelittleloaf

    Very jealous of your trip to NY – you’ll have such an amazing time! I haven’t been for years so others’ recommendations will be more up to date, but looking forward to hearing all about your adventures :-)

  21. amber

    WAAAAAAAAH – is it wrong that i just wish someone would make these for me ? Have fun in NY xxx

  22. Lesley

    New York! Yes, here ya go:
    1. For cheap eats, El Cocotero in Chelsea serves Venezuelan food–plenty of food for vegetarians. It’s the only place I’ve been twice.
    2. Pure Food + Wine in the East Village is $$$, but fantastic. All vegan and organic and even my omnivore husband said it was the best meal he had.
    3. Pizza: John’s of Bleecker Street and Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn. Tip: get to Grimaldi’s around 6 and leave just in time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan at sunset. THIS IS A MUST.
    4. Vegetarian Dim Sum House, 24 Pell St in Chinatown. So good. Also, get a foot massage next door and then you’ll be good to walk around and explore.
    5. More cheap eats: Sacred Chow. I wanted to take this place back with me to Nashville. It was so good.
    6. For a potato fix, Veselka on the Lower East Side is fantastic. There’s also a Belgian frites place with dozens of sauces nearby, but I can’t remember the name.
    7. And there’s Bouchon Bakery, Grom Gelato, and Milk Bar and so many other great places. Don’t bother with Magnolia Bakery.

    Clearly, this is a passion of mine. :) Enjoy your trip!

  23. Elizabeth

    Great idea using raw marinated kale in these. Love it.

    As for NYC, I 2nd (or 3rd, or whatever) Milk Bar for dessert, and Angelica’s for healthy eats. Some more of my faves:
    Splurge on Lil’ Frankies at the center of the universe (1st ave and 1st. st. – Lower East Side) for amazing handmade pizza and pasta.
    For inexpensive Mexican I like Cafe el Portal on Elizabeth St. Great sangrias, love the salsas on the table to add extra oomph to everything, and the adventurous veg fare (cactus or squash blossoms anyone?)
    And if you make it to Brooklyn (my hood) I’ve got a bunch more, cause Brooklyn’s really waaaay better than Manhattan any day!

  24. Sydney @ The Crepes

    You wrapped that burrito like a pro! I always have to get my burrito-obsessed husband to wrap them ~just so~ because mine tend to fall apart. I especially love the addition of avocado – can’t go wrong with that!

  25. Angela

    Funny you mentioned you are going to NYC! Lucky girl. I just blogged about my NYC trip…where we ate and where we went. I have all the recaps at the bottom of my buckwheat crispies post if you want to check it out. I suggest going to One Lucky Duck and stuffing yourself with their raw chocolate macaroons! mmm
    NYC is a BUSY but exciting and fun trip. It’s amazing how much ground you can cover in a few days. Have a great time!

  26. Holly

    thank you for this YUM simple recipe. I’m going to make them right now!
    for NYC, Angelica’s is my fave. I’m going to check out all of the other suggestions too!

  27. Cate

    Hooray- I’ve got all the ingredients for this one already (subbing gluten-free corn tortillas for flour ones)… I’ll try and give this one a shot tonight. Thanks for the inspiration!

    I like to go to Caracas and Babycakes when I’m in NYC….and eventually I’ll have to check out the risotto place (Risotteria?) on Bleeker. So many gf options in NYC, wish we had options like these in Honolulu! Have fun!

  28. Gena

    Enjoy your time in my beautiful home town!

  29. the actor's diet

    these look delicious! i’ve a bunch of places on my nyc list but my faves are

    the pizza at ABC Kitchen:
    http://theactorsdiet.com/2011/06/24/learning-my-abcs/

    the ricotta lemon pancakes (best i’ve ever had) at locanda verde:
    http://theactorsdiet.com/2011/06/25/breadfast/

    the vegan sundae at lula’s sweet apothecary:
    http://theactorsdiet.com/2011/06/25/the-motherfucker-with-the-vegan-sundae/

    and of course – EATALY!!!
    http://theactorsdiet.com/2011/06/23/from-eataly-to-china/

  30. Niki

    John’s Pizza on Bleeker, Mamoun’s Falafel, & Bar Pitti were a few of my old haunts – I did love Locanda Verde when I went a couple of years ago. The Burger Joint is awesome, but not sure on their vegetarian options but the french fries are really good though! Oh, and you HAVE to get the olive oil gelato from Otto. Favorite.dessert.ever.

  31. BusyWorkingMama

    Looks delicious!

  32. PAUL J OCCHIALINI

    Kate if your in NY you need to visit Candle Cafe, amazing Vegan/Vegetarian food. I’ve been making a bunch of your dishes lately and I’ve been loving it. Keep up the good work.

  33. Katie- Real Foods C

    Those burritos sound like a wonderful flavor combo. Avocados are just so tasty and I’ve never tried them with kale. Yum!

  34. kristen @ thekalepro

    Hi Kate, This recipe is awesome!! What a great idea. And your photos are gorgeous.
    If you’re ever in Paris, know that someone (me) is working hard to get kale in Paris markets and restaurants! Keep eating well!
    Best, Kristen

    http://thekaleproject.com/

  35. meatballs&milkshakes

    These look amazing and perfect for when I’m sick of just salad on it’s own!

  36. Autumn

    LOVE these! I pinned this back when you first posted it and finally made it for the first time last week for dinner and have had it 2ce since then :) Super easy and the flavor combination is one that my taste buds love!!! :)

    1. Kate

      Love that, Autumn! Thanks for reminding me about these burritos—they’re just the kind of meal I want to eat while I get settled into my new place!

  37. Cynthia

    Made this tonight finally, and it was so freakin’ delicious. I used queso fresco instead of goat cheese. I could eat this every night.

    1. Kate

      Queso fresco sounds like a great sub. I need more of these burritos in my diet!

  38. Amanda v

    just made this for dinner, love it! I never feel like cooking after work but this was so easy and came out amazing :)

  39. Lisa

    Just made for lunch today. Delicious!! The whole family, including two teenage boys, loved them!

    1. Kate

      Hooray! Glad to hear it, Lisa.

  40. Kate

    Well, hello from another Kate. You can only get kale in the fall/winter where I live, so I’ve been biding my time since the spring, just waiting to give this recipe a try. We finally made it, and yum! Love it. Added a little more jalapeno, but that’s it. Thank you!

  41. Steph

    Made this for dinner tonight and it was FABULOUS. Didn’t change a thing. Thanks for the recipe.

  42. Mekayla

    If I made one of these the night before and then took it for lunch the next day, do you think that the dressing for the kale would make it al too soggy by the next day?

    1. Kate

      Hi Mekayla, that’s a great question, and I’m sorry I haven’t responded to it sooner. I seem to remember the burrito leftovers being pretty good the next day, though not quite as good as on day one. The kale will hold up to the dressing, and there isn’t so much dressing that it will turn into a soggy mess. The avocado might brown a little, though. You could skip the tortilla and turn it into a salad if you’re worried about the tortilla. These ingredients are great together in any combination!

  43. Cat

    Just found your blog (where have I been??) and made these and would now like to be besties?? ;) Delicious!

    1. Kate

      Glad you found my blog! Yes, let’s be besties. :)

  44. Adi

    Just made and ate this burrito for the first time and didn’t even clean up yet because I had to comment first… so delicious! This recipe has given me knew hope that one day in fact I may be able to turn vegetarian! =D So glad I found your blog, I was really bored of my limited cooking repertoire. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Adi! Really glad that you found my blog, and enjoy the burritos!

  45. Katie Rusak

    I just made this burrito for the first time, and it was DELICIOUS! There was enough for 2 burritos so I just ate one for lunch and can’t wait to make another one tomorrow with the leftovers. Question: do you have the nutritional breakdown for this recipe? I tried entering it into the myfitnesspal site and it came up as actually not very healthy for me (bummer), so I’m hoping it’s wrong. :-)

    1. Kate

      Hey Katie, I’m glad you enjoyed the burritos so much! I’m sorry, I don’t have the nutritional breakdown for them, but it seems like they should be pretty good for you. I always try to buy the smaller whole wheat tortillas that don’t have a long ingredients list… not sure if that is a factor in the calculations.

  46. Hilary

    We made your burritos last night and they were delicious! We didn’t change a thing. Thanks for creating!

    1. Kate

      Hooray! Thanks, Hilary!

  47. Pip

    Thank you for writing such clear and concise recipes! I love the fact that all the important details are upfront (time, serving sizes, etc.) and that you offer ingredient substitutions for hard-to-find items! I find most of my recipes on blogs, and a well written one makes a HUGE difference. Seriously, thank you.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Pip! I work really hard on my recipes and I’m glad you appreciate them!

  48. Rachel

    I’ve had these bookmarked for weeks and *finally*made them for lunch today. I made a much larger batch with an entire bunch of kale… hoping the kale stays okay for a couple of days because I’m lazy like that. Aaaaaanyway, fantastic. Loved them. Thanks for a great recipe.

    1. Kate

      Awesome! Thanks, Rachel! Hope those burritos kept well for you.

  49. Nicole

    These were amazing! We aren’t vegetarians, but I do try to eat more vegetable based dishes after my husband makes a more meaty (usually grilled) dish to balance things. :) I looked up quick vegetarian recipes, and your site came up. We have to avoid tomatoes and spice for my daughter, but these were perfect. And so quick, too!!