This Cilantro, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa combines hearty black beans, sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for parties, as a side dish, or to top off your favorite grilled meats.
Cilantro, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa
I love making this salsa because it’s incredibly fresh, colorful, and easy to prepare. It’s versatile enough to pair with tacos, burritos, or as a stand-alone dip for tortilla chips. The combination of flavors from the cilantro, lime, and vegetables creates a deliciously refreshing salsa that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Serve this salsa with Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe or enjoy with Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe for a perfect combination.
Why You’ll Love Heather’s Cilantro, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa Recipe
- Colorful and Flavorful: A mix of fresh veggies with vibrant flavors.
- Easy to Prepare: Requires no cooking and comes together in minutes.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for dipping, topping, or as a side.
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Main Ingredients for Cilantro, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa
- Black Beans – Provides protein and fiber for a hearty salsa.
- Corn – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- Cilantro and Lime – Fresh cilantro and lime juice add a burst of zesty flavor.
- Tomatoes and Red Onion – Provide freshness, color, and a bit of bite.
- Jalapeño – Adds a touch of heat for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cilantro, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa Recipe
Here’s how to make this fresh, vibrant salsa step by step:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Drain and rinse 1 can of black beans and 1 can of corn. Dice 1 cup of tomatoes and 1/2 red onion. Mince 1 jalapeño (remove seeds for a milder salsa) and chop a handful of fresh cilantro.
- Tip: Use fresh or frozen corn for even more flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, add the black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Pro Tip: If you love a lot of cilantro, add extra for a stronger flavor.
- Add Lime Juice and Seasoning: Squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Optional: Add a drizzle of olive oil for a richer texture.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serving Idea: Serve chilled with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add diced serrano peppers or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Add Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- How to Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Meal Prep Tip: This salsa keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep or parties.
Health Benefits of Cilantro, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa
This salsa is loaded with fiber from black beans, vitamins from tomatoes and corn, and antioxidants from fresh herbs. It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that’s also rich in plant-based protein, making it both satisfying and healthy.
- High in Fiber: Supports digestion and keeps you full.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes, corn, and cilantro provide vitamins C and A.
- Low-Calorie and Plant-Based: A light and filling choice for any meal.
Heather’s Cilantro, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1 jalapeño minced (seeds removed for mild salsa)
- Handful of fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Drain beans and corn, dice tomatoes and onion, and mince jalapeño.
- Combine in Bowl: Mix beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Add Lime and Seasoning: Squeeze lime juice over, season with salt and pepper.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes, serve with tortilla chips or as a topping.