Johnson's Smoky Black Bean & Corn Salad
A hearty, protein-packed salad featuring smoked black beans, sweet corn, and fresh lime, celebrating the most common surname among African American communities. This american-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs cooked black beans, 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 220 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 cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup frozen, thawed corn kernels
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup cooked black beans, 1/2 cup thawed corn kernels, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped red onion.
- Step 2: Whisk together 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Pour over bean mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Step 3: Refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then stir in 1 tbsp chopped cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Smoky Black Bean & 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 Johnson's Smoky Black Bean & 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 cooked black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Smoky Black Bean & 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 Johnson's Smoky Black Bean & 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 Johnson's Smoky Black Bean & Corn Salad vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
