Mid-America Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-05 · Updated 2026-08-05

A bright, fresh salad featuring sweet corn and black beans tossed in a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, reflecting Mid-America regional produce. This American-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs fresh corn kernels, canned 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 150 calories and feeds 6, 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 (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
• 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained canned black beans
• 1 medium, diced into 1/4-inch pieces red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1 can (15 oz) rinsed black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
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 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well emulsified.
3. Step 3: Pour the lime-cilantro dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
5. Step 5: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish.