No-Sugar Black Bean and Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

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

A vibrant black bean and corn salad tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing, making a nutrient-packed side or light meal without added sugars. This mexican-inspired salads (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs black beans, fresh corn kernels, 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 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 15 oz drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup 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 olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Sugar Black Bean and Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 No-Sugar Black Bean and Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette?

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 black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in No-Sugar Black Bean and Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette?

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 No-Sugar Black Bean and Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette 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 No-Sugar Black Bean and Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette vegan?

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

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