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Colorful black bean corn salad with title reading Zesty Black Bean Corn Salad Recipe with Lime Dressing
Good Fork Daily Editorial Kitchen

Zesty Black Bean Corn Salad Recipe with Lime Dressing

A bright black bean and corn salad with crisp vegetables and cumin-lime dressing, built to stay fresh rather than watery.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Chilling 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 2 15-ounce cans black beans rinsed and drained, about 510 grams drained
  • 2 cups corn kernels thawed from frozen, 300 grams
  • 1 medium red bell pepper 1/4-inch dice, about 150 grams
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered, 150 grams
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced, 70 grams
  • 1 small jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped, 20 grams
  • 1 medium avocado optional, diced only when serving
Lime dressing
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 60 grams
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 40 grams
  • 1 small garlic clove finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon mild chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt plus more only after tasting
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wide silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Rinse beans until runoff looks clear, drain thoroughly and blot gently on a clean towel for 5 minutes.
  2. Thaw corn completely, drain and blot. Cool cooked fresh corn before using.
  3. Cover diced red onion with cold water 10 minutes, then drain and blot.
  4. Dice bell pepper, quarter tomatoes and chop jalapeño and cilantro.
  5. Whisk lime zest and juice, oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, maple syrup, salt and pepper until slightly thickened.
  6. Toss corn, bell pepper, tomato, onion, jalapeño and cilantro in the dressing.
  7. Add dry black beans last and fold gently six to eight times with a wide spatula.
  8. Refrigerate 30 minutes, then taste and add lime by the teaspoon or salt by a small pinch.
  9. Add avocado only to the portion being served.

Notes

  • Rinse, drain and blot beans and corn.
  • Soak red onion 10 minutes for a milder bite.
  • Add beans last and fold gently.
  • Rest 30 minutes before final seasoning.
  • Add avocado only when serving.
  • Refrigerate up to 4 days; best texture is within 2 days.
  • This recipe was developed through culinary research and editorial review.