Description
The Zesty Black Bean and Corn Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and fresh dish combining hearty black beans and sweet corn with a tangy lime-based dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a versatile side, this colorful salad offers a bold flavor, easy preparation, and satisfying nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, thawed frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Drain and rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove any canning liquid. If using frozen corn, thaw it well. Dice the red bell pepper and red onion finely, and chop fresh cilantro for that fresh herbal pop.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This mixture is where the “zesty” in the salad truly shines.
- Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix carefully to coat every bite without mashing the ingredients.
- Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld. This brief wait makes every forkful deeper in flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice: Avoid bottled lime juice to achieve a brighter, cleaner taste.
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly: This reduces excess sodium and any canned aftertaste.
- Don’t over-mix: Toss gently to maintain the salad’s texture and avoid crushing the beans or corn.
- Adjust seasoning after resting: Once chilled, taste and tweak salt or lime juice as flavors deepen over time.
- Add herbs last: Sprinkle cilantro in at the end before serving for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: black bean salad, corn salad, zesty salad, gluten free, quick salad, vegetarian, vegan option