Chili-Lime Black Bean and Corn Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-30 · Updated 2026-05-30

A vibrant, zesty salad combining black beans, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a chili-lime dressing for a refreshing and healthy side. This Mexican-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs black beans, cooked or canned, fresh corn kernels, red bell pepper into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups, drained and rinsed black beans, cooked or canned
• 1 1/2 cups (from about 2 ears) fresh corn kernels
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups drained and rinsed black beans, 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño with seeds removed.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
3. Step 3: Pour dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.