Description
A vibrant salad combining charred corn, black beans, and a citrus-herb vinaigrette, perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen; about 4 ears)
- 2 cups cooked black beans (rinsed and drained if canned)
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions
- 1 avocado, diced
- Pinch of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Char the corn: Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high. Add corn kernels in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are browned—about 6–8 minutes.
- Cool the corn: Transfer charred corn to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the aromatics: In a large mixing bowl, combine diced red pepper and sliced red onion. Add black beans and gently fold to combine.
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until emulsified and glossy.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the warm corn and bean mixture and toss gently until everything is coated.
- Fold in herbs and avocado: Add chopped cilantro and chives, then fold in diced avocado just before serving.
- Adjust seasoning: Finish with a final pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and a light dusting of smoked paprika if using.
Notes
Serve on warmed plates or in a shallow bowl for an elegant presentation. Cool before refrigerating and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg