Print

Fresh Charred Corn and Black Bean Salad

fresh charred corn and black bean salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy zesty summer side salad featuring smoky charred corn, creamy black beans, and a punchy lime-cumin dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked (or about 3 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush ears of corn lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Place corn directly on grill, turning every 2-3 minutes, until all sides have a nice char, about 8-10 minutes total. If using frozen corn, cook in a hot skillet with a little oil until some kernels get browned.
  3. Let corn cool enough to handle, then carefully slice kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add rinsed and drained black beans, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and fragrant.
  6. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring even coating.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  8. Let salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or slightly warm.

Notes

For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about an hour before serving and bring to room temperature. Use fresh lime juice for the best zing. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat level. If no grill pan is available, a cast-iron skillet works well for charring corn.

Nutrition

Keywords: charred corn salad, black bean salad, summer side dish, zesty salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free, vegan, barbecue side

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/fresh-charred-corn-and-black-bean-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-summer-side/