Half-Cup Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring half a cup each of black beans and corn tossed with zesty lime dressing and fresh herbs. This mexican-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs drained and rinsed canned black beans, fresh or frozen thawed corn kernels, diced 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 180 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1/2 cup, drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1/2 cup, fresh or frozen thawed corn kernels
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed) with 1/2 cup corn kernels and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro to the bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Cup Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Half-Cup 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 diced red bell pepper from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Cup 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 Half-Cup Spiced Black Bean and Corn Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-Cup 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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