Marimba-Inspired Guatemalan Black Bean and Sweet Corn Salad

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

A refreshing and colorful salad blending black beans, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables with a tangy lime and cilantro dressing, inspired by the vibrant spirit of Guatemalan traditional music. This latin american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs black beans, cooked and drained, fresh sweet corn kernels, medium red bell pepper, diced 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups cooked and drained black beans with 1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture. Add 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Marimba-Inspired Guatemalan Black Bean and Sweet 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 Marimba-Inspired Guatemalan Black Bean and Sweet 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 fresh sweet corn kernels from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Marimba-Inspired Guatemalan Black Bean and Sweet 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 Marimba-Inspired Guatemalan Black Bean and Sweet 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 Marimba-Inspired Guatemalan Black Bean and Sweet Corn Salad vegetarian?

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

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