Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe
Black Bean and Corn Salad
This vibrant and healthy salad combines black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing, perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
- cup olive oil
- cup fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
- cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and set them aside.
Step 2: In a small jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar until the dressing is well mixed.
Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine the black beans, frozen corn, diced avocado, chopped red bell pepper, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro.
Step 4: Shake the dressing jar again to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
Step 5: Toss the salad gently to coat the vegetables and beans with the dressing.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing salad!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Amount | Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 391 |
| Total Fat | 25g (31%) |
| Saturated Fat | 3g (17%) |
| Sodium | 830mg (36%) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35g (13%) |
| Dietary Fiber | 12g (44%) |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 11g (21%) |
| Vitamin C | 45mg (50%) |
| Calcium | 71mg (5%) |
| Iron | 4mg (22%) |
| Potassium | 468mg (10%) |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This colorful black bean and corn salad with a zesty lime and garlic dressing is a perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether served as a standalone meal or as a complement to tacos or grilled meats, its a refreshing and versatile choice. Here's a deeper dive into the history, regional variations, and other fun facts about this dish.
History of Black Bean and Corn Salad
The combination of black beans and corn has been a staple in Latin American cuisine for centuries, with deep roots in the indigenous cultures of the Americas. The addition of lime, garlic, and cilantro gives this salad its refreshing flavor, which is common in Mexican and Southwestern dishes. While the exact origin of this specific salad is unclear, it likely evolved as a popular side dish in the southwestern United States, where beans and corn are abundant. This dish combines essential ingredients that are hearty, nutritious, and culturally significant across various Latin American countries.
Regional Features
The salad is most commonly associated with Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, where beans and corn are dietary staples. In regions like Mexico, black beans are often paired with corn in soups, stews, and salads, making this dish a natural fit in the culinary tradition. The use of fresh lime, cilantro, and garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and the earthy flavor of the beans, creating a balance thats both flavorful and refreshing.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
While black bean and corn salads share similarities with other bean-based salads, what sets this dish apart is its specific combination of ingredients and dressing. Unlike heavier, creamy bean salads, this recipe uses a light dressing made of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and cayenne, offering a fresher and more vibrant taste. The addition of fresh cilantro and green onions brings a burst of color and freshness, whereas many similar salads may rely on heavier dressings or fewer vegetables. It is also a non-mayo-based dish, making it suitable for those looking for a lighter, more health-conscious option.
Where Is It Typically Served?
This salad is often served as a side dish at barbecues, summer gatherings, or alongside Mexican-style main dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Its also a perfect accompaniment to any Southwestern-inspired meal. Due to its light yet filling nature, it can easily be served as a standalone lunch or a light dinner. Many people also enjoy it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos, adding a burst of color and flavor to their meals.
Interesting Facts About the Dish
- The black bean is one of the oldest domesticated plants in the Americas, with evidence of its cultivation going back over 7,000 years.
- The combination of beans and corn provides a complete protein, making it a great vegetarian or vegan meal option.
- This salad can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences, such as omitting avocado or adding a spicy kick with jalapeos.
- In some regions, this salad is served chilled and can even be made a day in advance for enhanced flavors.
FAQ about Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe
Comments
Patrick Moore
08/09/2023 03:36:06 PM
I absolutely love this salad! It's incredibly delicious and so versatile. It's perfect on its own, but for a more filling meal, we like to grill some chicken breasts and serve it all on baked corn tortillas with lettuce for a fantastic tostada salad. The only adjustments we make to the original recipe are using finely diced purple onion instead of green onion and adding a bit more spice to the dressing. I'm not a huge fan of cilantro, but I believe it's essential to this salad. I simply chop it very finely and use a little less. The only downside is that this salad doesn't keep well as leftovers. While it still tastes good the next day, the lime and cilantro flavors don't hold up well in the fridge overnight and lose their freshness. It's definitely at its best on the day it's prepared.
Justin Sanchez
12/13/2024 02:15:31 PM
Fantastic bean salad! I enhanced the flavor by increasing the amount of lime juice and garlic, adding a touch more salt, and cutting back on the oil. I also used equal parts corn and beans for a balanced mix. To prevent sogginess, I gently folded in the tomato and avocado at the end, after blending the dressing with the other components. A final toss right before serving ensured that the avocado and tomato were well coated. The result was absolutely delicious!
Brian Sanchez
11/20/2022 05:29:36 PM
Here is the rewritten review: After reading the reviews, I decided to make this salad with a few adjustments. I used only 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and added half a cup of freshly squeezed lime juice to the mix. I also included two 19 oz cans of black beans and two cups of frozen peach and cream corn kernels. The result was absolutely delicious! I may have used a bit more cilantro, about 3/4 cup instead of the recommended half cup, and let it chill in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours before serving. The flavors were so fresh and perfect for a summer meal, it could easily be a lunch on its own. I appreciate the helpful comments that guided me through this recipe. While I haven't tried it with the original quantities, our preference for less oily salads and a love for lime juice made this version a hit. Thank you to Jen for sharing this recipe and to all who provided feedback. Enjoy!
Janet Sanchez
09/30/2024 10:22:37 PM
The avocado tends to brown if the salad sits for too long. To prevent this, I recommend preparing the salad without the avocado in advance and adding it just before serving.
Mary Collins
09/11/2024 10:41:13 PM
Fresh and fantastic! I grilled three ears of corn for 10 minutes until perfectly charred on all sides, then cut it off the cob. This simple step elevated the dish to a whole new level of flavor. I added half a tablespoon of smoked sea salt and a teaspoon of cumin to the dressing, along with some lime zest for a citrusy kick. We enjoyed this corn salsa with lime tortillas, but it's also great on chicken nachos, tacos, and fish tacos. Delicious and versatile!
Rachel Anderson
05/25/2025 01:32:13 PM
Superb refreshing summer salad bursting with vibrant flavors. I heeded the advice to reduce the oil to 1/4 cup and opted for fresh cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and cilantro from my own garden. The key is to not skimp on the lime juice, as it really enhances the dish. While I used to add avocado as suggested, this time I omitted it and found the salad to be even more delightful. Consider serving avocado slices on top if desired, but adjust the oil accordingly if including them.
Gregory Roberts
05/29/2024 03:41:52 PM
My daughter followed the recipe exactly without checking the comments, and we both found that there was an excessive amount of olive oil. It should only have 1 to 2 tablespoons at most. We also had to add a significant extra amount of lime juice. The ingredients are good, but the recipe may need to be edited to correct the olive oil issue.
Brian Parker
04/15/2023 02:25:16 AM
This recipe is absolutely delightful! I substituted kidney beans for black beans due to running out of them, and it turned out fantastic. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Kimberly Harris
11/14/2022 12:51:30 AM
Fantastic blend of flavors and vibrant colors! This side salad without mayo is exceptional. I cut down on the oil by nearly half to lower the caloric content and fat. I prefer using 3-4 plum tomatoes in mine. I make the dressing in advance but mix it in right before serving. I like to serve the avocado on the side to prevent browning, which can take away from the salad's beautiful hues. It's absolutely delicious! Leftovers stay fresh for up to two days and can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping. I usually drain off any excess liquid before using the leftovers.
Emma Diaz
05/21/2025 04:39:17 AM
I decided to make a scaled-down version of the salad using only half of each ingredient. After enjoying two servings, I can confidently say it was a delightful, tangy, and rejuvenating experience. The preparation was simple, and the fact that no cooking was involved made it even more enjoyable. I'm considering trying it with lemons instead of limes for a different twist next time.
Janet Adams
01/18/2025 09:58:11 AM
Following recommendations from others, I made some adjustments to the recipe. I used 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup of lime juice. Instead of scallions, I used a small amount of finely diced red onion, and I decided to skip the avocado. The fresh bi-color corn added just the right amount of sweetness, and the mini grape tomatoes from my patio garden were a perfect addition, adding a pop of color and freshness. The salad was a hit at our summer BBQ party, served alongside some delicious burgers.
Jacob Jackson
10/22/2023 11:39:50 AM
Extremely quick to prepare! I included a sliced jalapeno for an extra kick and added heat. Ideal for a tailgating event as a side dish.
Scott Mitchell
08/23/2022 09:17:25 AM
I had some leftovers from taco night, so I decided to get creative. I combined black beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, pico de gallo, green onions, red pepper, lime juice, oil, and salt. Served with chips, this meal turned my leftovers into a delicious new dish!
Lisa Thompson
01/13/2024 09:14:08 AM
This dish was amazing! I enjoyed it on a corn tortilla topped with jalapeños and sour cream.
William Campbell
02/07/2024 06:57:14 AM
The recipe claims that the prep time is "25 minutes", but when I doubled the batch, it ended up taking me a whopping 2 hours!
Ryan Robinson
12/02/2024 09:09:27 PM
Delish ❤️❤️
Brenda Brown
11/09/2022 03:56:03 PM
Here is the rewritten review: "So easy to make and delicious!"
Ruth Evans
10/11/2024 07:17:45 PM
I made this lovely salad a day in advance, following some helpful tips from reviews. I avoided adding tomatoes or avocado until serving, and I also cut back on the olive oil. The salad turned out quite delicious, but I was disappointed that the black beans were a bit mushy. I suspect it could be due to the brand I used. I will definitely make it again, but next time, I will save the black beans to add at the end, along with the avocado and tomato.
William Wright
12/14/2023 04:31:17 PM
This salad looks very appetizing. It is so fresh and vibrant! I ended up using one and a half times the amount of dressing recommended.
Jessica Davis
11/21/2024 04:39:10 PM
I substituted cottage cheese for avocado and it turned out delicious.