Chipotle-Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-rich salad with smoky chipotle and fresh corn, perfect for a light lunch. This mexican-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs black beans, 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 220 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 cup drained corn kernels, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp chipotle powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped cilantro over the salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle-Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chipotle-Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chipotle-Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chipotle-Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chipotle-Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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