Midwest-Style Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring sweet corn, protein-rich black beans, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes blends fresh or frozen and thawed corn kernels, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, finely diced red bell pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups corn kernels, 1 can drained black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup diced red onion.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over corn and bean mixture and toss gently to coat. Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and toss again.
  4. Step 4: Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwest-Style Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Midwest-Style Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Midwest-Style Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing?

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 Midwest-Style Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing 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.

What goes well with Midwest-Style Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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