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Zesty Black Bean and Corn Salad

Zesty Black Bean and Corn Salad
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The Zesty Black Bean and Corn Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish bursting with a perfect balance of tangy lime, sweet corn, crunchy red bell pepper, and earthy black beans. Ready in under 20 minutes, this gluten-free, vegan, and protein-rich salad is perfect as a side, a stand-alone meal, or a taco topping, making it both versatile and nutritious for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or canned/frozen, rinsed)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess salt and add a clean, fresh taste. If using fresh corn, remove kernels from the cob; canned or frozen corn can be rinsed and used as well.
  2. Chop and Combine Your Veggies: Dice the red bell pepper and finely chop the red onion and cilantro. Place all veggies and beans in a large mixing bowl to combine evenly.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until emulsified, creating a zesty dressing to coat the salad.
  4. Toss and Taste: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently but thoroughly toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra lime juice or salt as preferred.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly crisp.

Notes

  • Always rinse canned black beans well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
  • Grilled corn can be used instead of fresh for a smoky flavor.
  • Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for best acidity and brightness.
  • If serving immediately, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to improve flavor absorption.
  • Rough chop cilantro to keep it fresh and prevent wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean salad, corn salad, vegan salad, gluten free, healthy side dish, easy salad, lime dressing

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/zesty-black-bean-and-corn-salad/