Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Flavor Explosion: The smoky grilled corn, creamy black beans, and zesty lime dressing create a burst of flavors.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome meal or side.

Recipe

This Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, healthy meal. Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 10 minutes. Let cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
3. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes:

For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder.

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serving:

Serves 4

Calories:

Approx. 250 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 figuring out what pairs best with grilled corn and black bean salad, and it’s all about balancing flavors and textures.

For complementary side dishes, I’d go with something fresh like avocado slices or a tangy slaw.

When it comes to protein pairings, grilled chicken or shrimp works perfectly to round out the meal.

Complementary Side Dishes

When you’re serving up a vibrant dish like grilled corn and black bean salad, you’re already halfway to a fantastic meal, but pairing it with the right side dishes can take it to the next level.

I love adding corn variations, like roasted cornbread or a creamy corn chowder, to keep the theme going. For bean types, a simple white bean dip or a tangy chickpea salad complements the black beans beautifully.

Don’t forget fresh options, like a crisp cucumber salad or avocado slices, to balance the flavors. These sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.

Perfect Protein Pairings

To make your grilled corn and black bean salad a hearty meal, it’s worth adding some protein that’ll keep everyone satisfied. I love tossing in plant-based proteins like quinoa or chickpeas—they’re not only filling but also pack a punch of nutrient density.

Grilled tofu or tempeh works wonders too, especially if you marinate them in a zesty lime dressing. For a non-plant option, grilled chicken or shrimp pairs beautifully, adding a smoky flavor that complements the salad’s sweetness.

Trust me, these protein boosts turn a simple side into a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!