Southwestern Black Bean Corn Salad (Print Version)

Vibrant salad with black beans, corn, jalapeños, and a refreshing lime-cilantro dressing for any meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables & Beans

01 - 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
02 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
06 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Fresh Herbs & Garnish

07 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
08 - 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)

→ Lime-Cilantro Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 - Juice of 2 limes
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, mix black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes if using, and chopped cilantro.
02 - Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - If desired, fold in diced avocado gently just before serving to preserve texture.
05 - Adjust seasoning to taste, then refrigerate for 10 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes with zero cooking, making it perfect for hot days when you don't want to heat up the kitchen.
  • The lime-cilantro dressing is so bright and punchy it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is.
  • You can prep everything ahead and the flavors actually get better as they sit together overnight.
02 -
  • Don't add the avocado until right before serving or it will brown and fall apart, turning the whole salad an unappealing shade of gray.
  • The dressing needs to be aggressive with lime juice and seasonings because it has to flavor an entire bowl of vegetables and beans; be brave with the lime.
03 -
  • Make the dressing in a mason jar and shake it hard before pouring so every ingredient is really combined and the flavors hit all at once.
  • If your lime juice tastes weak, add a little more rather than trying to compensate with extra salt, because acid is what brings this salad to life.
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