Zesty Lime-Cilantro Black Bean Salad

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

A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, and avocado, dressed in a bright lime-cilantro vinaigrette. This mexican-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs black beans, corn, avocado 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 320 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and drain 1 can (15 oz) black beans thoroughly. Cook 1 cup frozen corn in a small saucepan with 1/4 cup water for 5 minutes until tender, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 medium avocado and set aside. Finely dice 1/4 cup red onion and chop 1/4 cup cilantro.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp lime zest in a small bowl until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine drained black beans, cooked corn, diced avocado, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled as a side or over greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Lime-Cilantro Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Lime-Cilantro 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 Zesty Lime-Cilantro 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 Zesty Lime-Cilantro Black Bean Salad 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes