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

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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.

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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