Description

This Black Bean Corn Salad is the ultimate side for healthy summer salads for lunch or light dinners. Packed with black beans and corn, it’s one of the easiest, tastiest side dishes for clean eating. Ideal for vegetarian dishes dinner healthy plans, diced salad recipe lovers, or anyone looking for easy bean meals and healthy lunch sides for work. Fresh, vibrant, and ready in minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Crafting the perfect black bean corn salad starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 2 cups fresh or frozen corn)
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley for an alternative)
Juice of 2 limes (or 1/4 cup lemon juice for a twist)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions:

Black beans can be swapped with kidney beans or chickpeas for a different flavor profile.
Cilantro can be omitted if you’re not a fan and replaced with spinach or kale.
Red onion can be replaced with green onions for a milder flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and Drain

Begin by rinsing the canned black beans and corn under cold water. This step not only helps reduce sodium content but also improves the taste. Let them drain well.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Using a sharp knife, dice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Aim for bite-sized pieces for an easy mix and an appealing presentation. The colors should be vibrant and inviting!

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, chopped cucumber, and red onion. Use a rubber spatula to gently mix the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. This dressing will not only enhance the flavor but also add a zesty kick to your salad.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Add the chopped cilantro and gently toss everything to combine. Make sure every ingredient is coated with that flavorful dressing.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more lime juice for tanginess or salt for flavor depth. This is your creation, so tailor it to your palate!

Nutrition

Calories: 180 per serving (1 cup)
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 8g