Fresh Corn & Black Bean Salad
May 18, 2026 | Shana Carpenter
Fresh Corn & Black Bean Salad
Summer in a Bowl:
Ditch the heavy mayo-based sides this season! This vibrant Summer Corn & Black Bean Salad is the ultimate “bring-along” dish for your Memorial Day weekend or any sun-soaked backyard BBQ. It’s crunchy, zesty, and naturally low-fat, making it a refreshing counterpoint to anything coming off the grill. Best of all? No cooking required—just chop, toss, and serve.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn: Shucked and cut off the cob (keep it raw for that signature June crunch!)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans: Rinsed and drained
- 1 large red bell pepper: Diced
- ½ medium red onion: Finely diced
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro: Chopped
- 1 jalapeño: Seeded and finely diced (optional, for a hint of heat)
The Zesty Lime Dressing:
- 2 small limes: Juiced
- 1 tsp honey (or agave)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Calories: 145 kcal
Protein: 6.2g
Total Fat: 1.2g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Sugars: 5.5g
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the fresh corn kernels, black beans, diced bell pepper, and red onion.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat every kernel.
- Chill & Serve: Fold in the fresh cilantro right before serving. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the lime juice work its magic on the veggies.
Why It’s a Party Favorite
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect for stress-free party prep.
- Dietary Inclusive: It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, so everyone at the party can dig in.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, scoop it up with your favorite chips, or spoon it over grilled fish or chicken!
Recipe Credit: Adaptation of Ambitious Kitchen Corn Salsa by Shana Carpenter with the assistance of ChatGPT.
Recipes
Meet the Author:
Shana Carpenter
Administrative & Marketing Assistant
Administrative and Marketing Assistant at Recoup Personal Training. With over a decade of experience in administrative roles across multiple industries, Shana supports daily operations and helps every visitor feel welcomed.
