Mid-America Regional Corn and Bean Salad
A fresh and vibrant salad featuring sweet corn, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing inspired by the Mid-America region. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh corn kernels, red bell pepper, red onion 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 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
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1 cup drained and rinsed black beans, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mid-America Regional Corn and Bean 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 Mid-America Regional Corn and Bean 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 corn kernels from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mid-America Regional Corn and Bean 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 Mid-America Regional Corn and Bean 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 Mid-America Regional Corn and Bean 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.
