Zesty Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Grilled Corn
A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring creamy avocado, protein-rich black beans, and sweet grilled corn, tossed with a tangy lime-cilantro dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (15 oz, drained and rinsed) black beans, ears (kernels cut off) grilled corn, (finely chopped) 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 290 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 (halved, pitted, and diced) ripe avocados
- 1 can (15 oz, drained and rinsed) black beans
- 3 ears (kernels cut off) grilled corn
- 1/2 cup (finely chopped) red onion
- 1/4 cup (chopped) cilantro
- 1 (juice of) lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (seeded and finely chopped) jalapeño
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, add 2 diced avocados, 15 oz drained black beans, 3 ears grilled corn kernels, 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 seeded jalapeño, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a main dish or side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zesty Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Grilled Corn take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Zesty Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Grilled Corn?
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 (finely chopped) red onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Grilled Corn?
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 Zesty Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Grilled Corn 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 Zesty Avocado and Black Bean Salad with Grilled Corn 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
