Black Bean and Corn Salad

Featured in Fresh Easy Salads.

This summer corn salad is so fresh! Ready in 20 minutes flat. The frozen corn stays crisp while Italian dressing adds perfect zing. Added extra bell peppers for crunch. Made it for beach picnic and everyone loved it. Perfect make ahead salad that travels well. Even better after flavors meld.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:27:05 GMT
A colorful mixture of black beans, corn, white beans, diced red peppers, and chopped cilantro. Pin it
A colorful mixture of black beans, corn, white beans, diced red peppers, and chopped cilantro. | lastminrecipes.com

Fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad

This black bean and corn salad brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The sweet corn crisp peppers and creamy beans create something truly special when tossed in zesty Italian dressing. I love how versatile it is whether you're serving it as a side dish or scooping it up with tortilla chips.

Why This Black Bean and Corn Salad Works

The magic of this salad is how all those fresh ingredients come together into something that tastes amazing but takes hardly any effort to make. It's perfect for summer gatherings since you can make it ahead and it actually gets better as it chills. Plus it fits any budget and works with whatever beans you have on hand.

What You'll Need

  • Frozen Corn: Sweet and convenient just thaw and toss.
  • Black Beans: They add such nice texture.
  • Cannellini Beans: For that creamy element.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and crunch.
  • Zesty Italian Dressing: Ties everything together.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Makes everything pop.

Let's Make Some Salad

Get Everything Ready
Thaw your corn and prep those beans.
Mix The Base
Combine all those colorful ingredients in your bowl.
Make It Zesty
Whisk up that perfect dressing.
Let It Rest
Give everything time to get happy together in the fridge.

Make It Your Own

Let this salad chill properly it makes such a difference in flavor. Use a slotted spoon when serving to keep things neat. Love some heat? Add your favorite spices. Want to switch it up? Try different beans each brings its own personality.

Keep It Fresh

Your salad will stay perfect in the fridge for several days. Just give it a good stir before serving since the dressing settles. Try it different ways as a side dish taco topping or party dip it's delicious any way you serve it.

A colorful salad made with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cilantro in a bowl. Pin it
A colorful salad made with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cilantro in a bowl. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why thaw corn first?

Thawing eliminates need for cooking and maintains crisp texture.

→ Why refrigerate before serving?

Time allows flavors to develop and blend together better.

→ Can I use different beans?

Yes, any combination of beans works well in this recipe.

→ How long does it keep?

Stays fresh 3-4 days in airtight container in fridge.

→ Why use Italian dressing?

It provides a perfect vinaigrette base with balanced seasonings.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

A refreshing summer salad combining corn, black beans, and bell peppers in an Italian dressing vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or dip.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 bowl)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 bag (12 oz) frozen corn.
02 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained.
03 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained.
04 1 red bell pepper, chopped.
05 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped.
06 1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing.
07 1 tablespoon lime juice.
08 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
09 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
10 1/2 teaspoon cumin.

Instructions

Step 01

Thaw corn 15 minutes at room temp.

Step 02

Combine corn, beans, pepper, cilantro.

Step 03

Mix dressing, lime juice, seasonings.

Step 04

Pour over salad, stir well.

Step 05

Chill 4 hours for best flavor.

Step 06

Serve with slotted spoon.

Notes

  1. Can use any Italian dressing.
  2. Mix beans as desired.
  3. Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.
  4. Can add chili powder for heat.
  5. Stir before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Small bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 154
  • Total Fat: 1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 9 g