Description
A vibrant and fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad packed with colorful vegetables and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light main dish, this salad is quick to prepare and can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained well
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup chopped tomato (Roma, cocktail, grape, etc.)
- 1 cup seeded and chopped orange bell pepper
- 1/3 cup diced red onion, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium avocado, diced (fairly firm but ripe)
- 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Chill the dressing until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rinsed and drained black beans, thawed corn, chopped tomatoes, seeded and chopped orange bell pepper, diced red onion, diced avocado, and minced jalapeno if using.
- Toss the salad: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, roast the bell pepper over a gas flame or under the broiler until charred, then steam in a bag for 10 minutes and peel off the blackened skin before chopping.
- Grilling the corn and bell pepper adds wonderful depth and smoky notes to the salad.
- Serve alongside honey lime shrimp, coconut rice, grilled chicken breasts or thighs, grilled or pan-seared salmon, quinoa, or flank steak for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
