Sunshine Corn and Black Bean Salad

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

A vibrant, no-cook salad featuring golden corn and protein-packed black beans, brightened with lime and fresh cilantro. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs corn kernels, black beans, red onion 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 300 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups corn kernels, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sunshine Corn and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Sunshine Corn and Black Bean Salad?

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 corn kernels from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sunshine 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 Sunshine 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 Sunshine 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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