Terre Haute Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring sweet local corn and black beans, tossed in a zesty lime and cilantro dressing for a bright regional flavor. This latin american-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes pairs canned black beans, rinsed and drained, red bell pepper, diced, red onion, finely chopped 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 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (from about 3 ears) fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the corn is tender and slightly charred, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled corn, 1 cup rinsed and drained canned black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the lime vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to evenly coat. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Terre Haute Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Terre Haute Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad with 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 red bell pepper, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Terre Haute Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad with 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 Terre Haute Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad with 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 Terre Haute Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad with Lime Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.