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Fresh Charred Corn and Black Bean Salad with Easy Zesty Lime Dressing

fresh charred corn and black bean salad - featured image

A bright, flavorful salad featuring smoky charred fresh corn, creamy black beans, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked and cleaned
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • A small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons), fresh squeezed
  • Lime zest from 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place husked ears of corn directly on the grill and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes, until kernels are lightly charred and blistered all over, about 10-12 minutes. Avoid burning black.
  2. Let the corn cool for 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cob by standing the ear upright on a cutting board.
  3. While corn cools, finely dice red bell pepper and red onion. Chop fresh cilantro and jalapeño if using.
  4. In a large bowl, combine black beans, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and charred corn kernels. Gently toss to combine.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

If fresh corn is unavailable, thawed frozen corn can be used but will lack smoky char flavor. The salad tastes better the next day as flavors meld. For dairy-free, use olive or avocado oil. Optional jalapeño adds heat. Can be served chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: charred corn salad, black bean salad, lime dressing, summer salad, easy salad, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free