Quick & Healthy Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This Black Bean and Corn Salsa is the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. It’s a vibrant mix of black beans, sweet corn, crisp red onion, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. It’s naturally healthy, requires no cooking, and is ready in just 10 minutes. Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or as a fresh topping for tacos, salads, and grilled chicken.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pro Tips for the Best Salsa
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Ready in 10 Minutes: The perfect last-minute appetizer.
* No Cooking Required: A fresh and easy recipe for any time of year.
* Healthy & Versatile: It’s packed with fiber and can be used in so many different ways.
* Crowd-Pleaser: The fresh, zesty flavors are always a huge hit.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
* 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen, thawed)
* 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
* 1/2 red onion, finely diced
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 3 tbsp lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
* 1 tsp ground cumin
* 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, and salt.
3. Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the bean and corn mixture. Toss gently until everything is well coated. For the best flavor, let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips.
### Pro Tips for the Best Salsa
* Let It Marinate: While you can serve it right away, this salsa tastes even better after it has chilled for about 30 minutes.
* Dice Finely: Taking the time to dice the vegetables finely ensures you get a perfect mix of flavors in every scoop.
* Use Fresh Lime Juice: The flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice is much brighter and better than the bottled kind.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* How long does this salsa last? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
* What else can I add? Diced avocado is a fantastic addition, but be sure to add it just before serving to prevent browning. Diced mango or pineapple can also add a lovely sweetness.