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Fresh Southwest Black Bean Corn Salad

Fresh Southwest Black Bean Corn Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer salad featuring black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing with a smoky chipotle kick. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups (about 200 g) fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the black beans well to avoid any canned taste. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
  2. Dice the red bell pepper and red onion finely. Mince the jalapeño, removing seeds if less heat is desired. Chop the cilantro and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss black beans, corn, diced avocado, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and fold carefully to keep avocado chunks intact.
  6. Optionally, cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a final stir and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.

Notes

Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to avoid metallic taste. Use ripe but firm avocado to prevent mushiness. Fold gently to keep avocado chunks intact. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes for best flavor but serve within 2 hours to avoid avocado browning. Adjust heat by modifying jalapeño and chipotle powder amounts. Store avocado separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean salad, corn salad, avocado salad, southwest salad, summer salad, easy salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/fresh-southwest-black-bean-corn-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer-meals/