Honey-Sweetened Corn and Black Bean Salad

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-10 · Updated 2026-04-10

A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring sweet corn, earthy black beans, and a tangy honey-lime dressing that’s perfect for summer picnics or potlucks. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs corn kernels, black beans, 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 285 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

• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1 cup corn kernels, 1 cup rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin until emulsified and smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the bean mixture, add 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.