Black Bean and Corn Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad packed with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a zesty lime-cumin dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for barbecues, or a topping for tacos.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the lime dressing
- b.In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, agave nectar (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- c.Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified.
- d.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You might prefer more salt or a little more lime.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine the salad ingredients
- b.In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed and drained black beans and the drained corn.
- c.Add the diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using).
- d.Gently toss the vegetables together to distribute them evenly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Dress and serve
- b.Pour the prepared lime dressing over the bean and corn mixture.
- c.Toss everything together until all the ingredients are lightly coated in the dressing.
- d.For best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- e.Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- 2This salad is great for meal prep. It will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- 3Feel free to add other vegetables like diced avocado (add just before serving), cherry tomatoes, or cucumber.
- 4Serve this salad as a side, a light lunch, a dip with tortilla chips, or as a topping for tacos and grain bowls.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To lower the fat and calorie content, reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons and add an extra tablespoon of lime juice.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or 1 cup of crumbled firm tofu to make it a more substantial, protein-packed meal.
quickQuick
Use a bag of frozen corn (thawed) instead of canned, and buy pre-chopped onion and bell pepper to save time.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the jalapeño and red onion, or replace the red onion with a milder shallot. Some kids might enjoy adding diced mango for sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of beans, corn, and vegetables provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full and satisfied.
Packed with Antioxidants
Colorful ingredients like red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro are rich in antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin C, which support a healthy immune system.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The dressing uses olive oil, which is a great source of monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the beans, vitamins from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil. It's naturally vegan and gluten-free.