Salsa Bar-Inspired Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad

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

A vibrant salad featuring smoky roasted corn, black beans, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing reminiscent of an extensive salsa bar. This mexican-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends (from about 3 ears) fresh corn kernels, black beans, rinsed and drained, cherry tomatoes, quartered 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 200 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups fresh corn kernels in 1 tbsp olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until corn is lightly charred and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine roasted corn, 1 cup rinsed black beans, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Let sit 10 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Salsa Bar-Inspired Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Salsa Bar-Inspired Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad?

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 Salsa Bar-Inspired Roasted Corn and Black 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 Salsa Bar-Inspired Roasted Corn and Black 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 Salsa Bar-Inspired Roasted Corn and Black Bean 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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