Description
A vibrant and refreshing Black Bean and Corn Salad featuring a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, perfect as a side dish or light meal packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare 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 until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the 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.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately for fresh taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, roast the bell pepper over a gas flame or under the broiler, turning occasionally. Then place in a bag to steam for 10 minutes before peeling away the blackened skin.
- Grilling the corn and bell pepper adds a smoky dimension to the salad.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with honey lime shrimp and coconut rice for a complete meal.
- It also works well as a side alongside grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
- Try serving it with grilled or pan-seared salmon for a light, healthy dinner.
- Serve over quinoa for a nutritious, protein-packed variation.
- Great accompaniment to flank steak for a hearty meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
