Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad—it’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. You’ll enjoy the smoky sweetness of grilled corn paired with the hearty texture of black beans, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and light. It’s packed with vibrant veggies and a zesty lime dressing that adds a invigorating kick. Plus, it’s super easy to make, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just whipping up a quick lunch. And the best part? It’s versatile—serve it as a side, a topping, or even a main dish!

Recipe

Grilled corn and black bean salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish that combines smoky grilled corn with hearty black beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course and is packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn (husks removed)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the ears of corn with olive oil and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are slightly charred. Let cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, jalapeño, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for added flavor.

Notes:

• For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of chili powder.
• Substitute fresh lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Serving: 4-6

Calories:

Approximately 240 calories per serving

Cuisine:

Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

This Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish, perfect for a healthy meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my grilled corn and black bean salad with juicy grilled chicken for a hearty meal that’s full of flavor. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll whip up a fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to add a zesty kick. Both options make the salad feel like a complete dish, whether I’m serving it for dinner or a backyard gathering.

Grilled Chicken Pairing

When I’m planning a meal with grilled chicken, I always think about sides that bring both flavor and balance to the plate. Grilled chicken’s smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the zesty, slightly sweet taste of grilled corn and black bean salad. To elevate the dish, I focus on spice pairings—adding a hint of cumin or chili powder to the chicken creates a harmony that complements the salad’s fresh ingredients. I also love how the salad’s texture contrasts with the chicken’s tenderness, making each bite satisfying. It’s a match that feels both hearty and light, perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Fresh Salsa Options

Grilled chicken’s smoky flavor isn’t the only thing that shines with bold, fresh sides—fresh salsa can be just as exciting. I love experimenting with fresh salsa variations to find the perfect match for grilled corn and black bean salad. A classic tomato salsa with lime and cilantro is always a winner, but don’t stop there. Try a mango-jalapeño version for a sweet-spicy kick, or a pineapple-poblano mix for tangy heat. The flavor combinations are endless, and each brings its own personality to the table. Fresh salsa brightens every bite, making your meal feel lively and complete. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!