Black Bean and Corn Salad (2025)

This black bean and corn salad is a fresh mix of black beans, corn, red peppers, jalapeno and avocado, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. An easy salad that’s the perfect side dish for any meal!

Black bean salad is full of different flavors and textures, and makes a great side dish. You can even serve it as a dip for chips or as a topping for grilled meats or fish. This salad is perfect with entrees like grilled pork chops, shrimp kabobs or baked chicken wings.

Black Bean and Corn Salad Ingredients

To make this black bean and corn salad you will need two cans of black beans, corn kernels, a red onion, a red bell pepper, an avocado and a jalapeno pepper. For the dressing you will need cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt and black pepper.

How Do You Make Black Bean and Corn Salad?

To make this black bean salad, start by mixing together in a large bowl black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado and minced jalapeno. In a second bowl make the cilantro lime dressing by whisking together chopped cilantro leaves, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together for delicious dish.

Tips For The Perfect Salad

• Gently toss your salad with dressing to keep all the ingredients in good shape.
• I prefer to juice my own limes for this recipe instead of purchasing lime juice. If you juice your own limes, look for limes that are a little soft so that they have a lot of juice.
• You can make this black bean salad up to a day in advance. However, you’ll want to leave the avocado out initially, and then add it in with everything else once you’re ready to serve so the avocado doesn’t turn brown an mushy.
• This recipe contains one jalapeno. If you’re looking for a mild taste, remove the jalapeno seeds and ribs before you mince the pepper. If you love your spice, leave the seeds and ribs in and enjoy that extra kick of heat!

Flavor Variations

This black bean and corn salad recipe makes a delicious salad that the whole family will love. However, you can change the flavors to suit your taste!

• Garlic: Add some extra flavor to your salad adding a teaspoon of minced garlic to your dressing.
• Veggies: You can add your favorites veggies like sliced green onions, diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes or add diced celery or carrots for extra crunch.
• Grains: You can make your salad more hearty with cooked grains like quinoa or farro. You could also serve this salad with rice on the side.
• Cheese: Top your salad with cotija cheese, feta cheese or shredded cheddar cheese.

I love that this dish is full of so many flavors and textures. Not only that but it’s fresh and healthy which hits the spot for the warmer months. It’s the perfect summer dish because it can become more than just a side dish, it can be anything you want it to be!