How to Make the Perfect Black Bean Corn Fiesta Salad
Tex-Mex · Easy · 15 min · 6 servings
This festive and colorful Black Bean Corn Fiesta Salad is a no-cook crowd-pleaser that is ready in just 15 minutes flat. It is a quick and vibrant bowl loaded with bold flavors that works beautifully as a side dish dip or light meal.
Why this recipe works
This Black Bean Corn Fiesta Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups frozen corn thawed
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 0.5 cup red onion finely diced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Dice the red bell pepper and finely chop the red onion then add them to a large mixing bowl along with the drained black beans and thawed corn.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice olive oil cumin chili powder salt and a pinch of sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Toss and Finish
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to combine then add fresh chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- red bell pepper → jalapeño pepper for extra heat and a spicier fiesta flavor
- frozen corn → canned fire-roasted corn for a smoky and more complex flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the red onion soak in cold water which tones down its sharp raw bite in the finished salad
- Under-seasoning the dressing with cumin which is essential to giving the salad its signature Southwest flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 9g protein, 35g carbs, 6g fat, 10g fiber.
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