This black bean and corn salad is a fresh mix of black beans, corn, red peppers, jalapeno and avocado, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. An easy salad that’s the perfect side dish for any meal!
Black bean salad is full of different flavors and textures, and makes a great side dish. You can even serve it as a dip for chips or as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
I love this time of year when all the fresh foods come into season. One of my favorite dishes to make is this black bean and corn salad. With fresh avocados, red peppers, corn, and jalapeno, it feels like a veggie lover’s dream.
HOW DO YOU MAKE BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD?
This black bean salad is as easy as they come. In one bowl, mix your black beans, corn, red peppers, and avocado. In a secondary bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the zesty cilantro lime dressing and combine for delicious side dish or appetizer.
You can make this black bean salad up to a day in advance. However, you’ll want to leave the avocado out initially, and then add it in with everything else once you’re ready to serve. If you leave the avocados to stew overnight in the black bean and corn salad, they’ll turn brown and nobody wants that.
This recipe contains one jalapeno. If you’re looking for a mild taste, remove the jalapeno seeds and ribs before you mince the pepper. If you love your spice, leave the seeds and ribs in and enjoy that extra kick of heat!
HOW DO YOU MAKE BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA?
It’s actually pretty easy to convert black bean and corn salad into salsa. It’s all the same ingredients, you’ll just want to chop them up finely. Whether turned into a salsa or left as is, it’s delicious served on the top of tacos, with tortilla chips, or over a piece of grilled chicken.
IS BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD VEGETARIAN?
My version definitely is! In fact, this dish specifically, is perfect as a vegetarian main dish. If you remove the honey, it’s also a vegan dish. Between the protein in the beans and the healthy fat in the avocado, this is a salad that will keep you full for a long time.
I love that this dish is full of so many flavors and textures. Not only that but it’s fresh and healthy which hits the spot for the warmer months. It’s the perfect summer dish because it can become more than just a side dish, it can be anything you want it to be!
MORE SALAD RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Chickpea Salad with Avocado
- Avocado Tuna Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Thai Cucumber Salad
- Chinese Chicken Salad
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen or canned
- 1/4 cup red onion minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 avocado peeled, pit removed and diced
- 1 jalapeno ribs and seeds removed, then minced
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the black beans, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, avocado and jalapeno in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin and salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the beans and vegetables and toss gently to coat. Serve.
Graham says
This is just what I am looking for! I only have fresh corn… does it need cooked?
Sara says
I typically cook the corn first, but you can leave it raw if you like, it’ll just be a little crunchier!
Jenny says
This is delicious, so tasty and healthy. I’m going to check out your other recipes now! Most ingredients I have all the time 🙂
Alex Reyes says
This recipe is incredible! On a whim, I decided to use the dressing for a shrimp marinade, and it was SO delicious!!!
James Nowak says
Hi I’m Jimmy I simply love you receipe for the black bean and corn salad I use del Monte fire roasted corn and its out of this world we eat it all the time I went to aspen Colorado on a ski trip and had a black bean salad there it was good so I wanted to make it at home this is so much better thanks for the recipe it’s AWESOME
Stephanie says
Can i premake the salad dressing? I am going on a multi day river trip and it is nice to make some stuff in head of time. I am on night 4 of 8.
Sara says
Yes that will work!
Robin says
How much ahead of time can this salad be prepared and still taste fresh? Does it get soggy if made the night before? Having a large party and would like to add this to the menu but won’t have time to make it the day of.
Sara says
You can make this in advance, just omit the avocado and cilantro and stir those in right before serving.
Psm says
I have been looking for a delicious version of this salad. And this is it! The lime honey dressing really briings it all together wondetfully. A÷÷
Chris says
I made this for a family dinner today. My family loved it! My son-in-law said, “This is definitely a repeat!”
Sara says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, thank you for reporting back!
Danica says
If you are using frozen corn, how do you prepare?
Sara says
You can just thaw the corn in the microwave then proceed with the recipe!
Irene says
Made this salad last night and it was a huge hit, even our 7 year old and 5 yeaf old had seconds. Totally going to make more of this salad. Thank you for a great recipe
Sara says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, I appreciate you reporting back!
Debbie says
This looks so amazing! I could make a meal of it with some tortilla chips!
Diane says
How much is a serving size? Half a cup?
Sara says
It’s 3/4 cup!
Victoria Vallee says
This was amazing and will be eating for weight loss for a wedding 😊
Sara says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!
Karen -our irish family says
I would never have thought of putting black beans in a salad. Thanks for the inspiration.
vicky hallnewman says
I love a bean salad, and the fact that its vegetarian is a winner for us. I am going to enjoy making this.
Meagan Badore says
I love trying new salsa recipes! I can’t wait to make this one for our next taco teusday!
Caryn/TheMidLifeGuru says
This looks easy, delicious ad healthy– all the makings for a perfect summer meal. Thanks for sharing!!!
Trina says
My husband loves black beans so I am always looking for a new way to make them. I have to give this a try.
Sondra Barker says
This looks so delicious and easy! I have to try this out
Nina says
I love beans and corn, but I never try to combine them to form a salad, I shall give this a try. thank you for sharing the recipe