Vegetarian Latin American Black Bean and Corn Salad
A refreshing and colorful salad featuring black beans, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy lime dressing. This latin american-inspired latin american (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs black beans, canned and drained, corn kernels, fresh or frozen, medium red bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups black beans, canned and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small (optional) jalapeño, seeded and minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups canned black beans (rinsed and drained) and 1 cup corn kernels. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain excess water.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 1/2 small finely diced red onion, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 small minced jalapeño (if using) until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side or light main dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetarian Latin American Black Bean and Corn 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 Vegetarian Latin American Black Bean and Corn 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, fresh or frozen from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Latin American Black Bean and Corn 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 Vegetarian Latin American Black Bean and Corn 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 Vegetarian Latin American Black Bean and Corn 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this at the picnic. So easy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh flavors, perfect for a summer barbecue!
- ★★★★☆
Made it for my kids and they loved the corn and beans.