This Black Bean Salad is fresh, tangy, and packed with crisp veggies, sweet corn, and zesty lime-garlic flavor. It’s the one salad that always disappears first at potlucks and BBQs.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Black Bean Salad Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Black Bean Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Black Bean Salad
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Black Bean and Corn Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
• How Spicy is it With the Jalapeños?
• Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Frozen
• Can I Serve This Salad Warm Instead of Cold?
• 🍽️ More Dip Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Black Bean Salad Recipe

• Tender black beans and sweet corn
• Crisp bell pepper, red onion and jalapeño pepper
• Tossed in a tangy flavorful dressing
• Quick and easy to put together
• Great for potlucks or BBQ’s
• Vegan friendly

This is the kind of salad that makes you want to grab a tortilla chip and dig straight in. It’s got the perfect mix of tender black beans, juicy corn, and crisp, colorful veggies tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Everything about it is bold, bright, and seriously hard to stop eating.

Because there's no dairy, this salad is fine to sit out sit out for a couple of hours, which is great for cookouts, potlucks, or even backyard snacks with chips. It also happens to be totally vegan-friendly, so it works for just about everyone. And the best part? It comes together fast and tastes even better the next day.

If you love black beans as much as I do, be sure to try my Vegan Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

🛒 Ingredients for Black Bean Salad

• Black beans: Rinsed and drained well
• Frozen corn: Adds a sweet bite and a pop of yellow
• Red bell pepper: Diced small for color and crunch
• Jalapeño peppers: Add heat and a little brightness
• Red onion: Adds a sharp bite and extra crunch
• Garlic: Infuses the dressing with savory flavor
• Fresh lime juice: Adds a tart zing that ties everything together
• Olive oil: Helps blend and carry all the flavors
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped for a fresh herby finish
• Salt and black pepper: Brings all the flavors forward

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Serving bowl

🔪 How to Make Black Bean Salad

To Make the Dressing

Add the lime juice, olive oil, grated garlic, salt and ground black pepper to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk to combine, then set it aside.

To Make the Salad

Drain and rinse your black beans, then add them to a large mixing bowl, along with the thawed corn, diced red onions, red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper and fresh chopped cilantro.

Pour the dressing over the top.

Toss to combine.

Place it in the fridge and allow the flavors to meld for at least 1 hour before serving.

💡 Tips

• Use canned beans that are low sodium so you can better control the salt.
• Dice the veggies evenly for the best mix in every spoonful.
• If your corn is still frozen, run it under cool water in a colander until thawed.
• Let it chill at least an hour so the dressing can really soak in.
• Grate the garlic instead of mincing for a more even flavor.
• Taste before serving and adjust the lime juice or salt if needed.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving. I do not recommend freezing it because the veggies lose their crunch after thawing.

🍴 What to Serve with Black Bean and Corn Salad

• Ceviche topping: Add tons more flavor to this Shrimp Ceviche by topping it with this tasty salad.

• Green salads: Mix it in with fresh salad greens for a fun twist on ordinary salads.

• Served as a dip: Of course, it is awesome with chips or crackers. If you want to make homemade versions, try these Tortilla Chips or these Everything Crackers.

• Bruschetta topping: Spoon some of your salad onto toasted baguette slices for a flavorful topping.

• Topping for fish or chicken: Top your favorite fish recipe with this salad. The flavors complement the savory, grilled taste perfectly. I love it with this crispy Air Fryer Cod and Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.

• Tacos: Spoon some of your salad onto your favorite tacos made with these homemade tortillas, whether they're filled with grilled chicken, fish, or beef.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Avocado: Add diced avocado just before serving for a creamy twist.

• Tomatoes: Mix in halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop.

• Pepper: Swap the jalapeños for poblano if you want a different kick.

• Quinoa: Throw in some cooked quinoa to make it more filling.

• Fruit: Mix in chopped mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast.

• Cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy touch if dairy isn’t a concern.

• Spice: A dash of cumin or chili powder in the dressing adds more depth.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, it’s even better after sitting for a few hours. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

How Spicy is it With the Jalapeños?

It has a mild kick. Remove the seeds and ribs for less heat or leave them in if you like it spicier.

Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Frozen

Yes, just drain it well. Frozen corn tends to taste fresher, but canned works in a pinch.

Can I Serve This Salad Warm Instead of Cold?

Yes, you can! Just skip the chilling step and serve it right after tossing everything together. The beans and corn hold up well at room temp or slightly warm.

🍽️ More Dip Recipes

• Whipped Feta Dip
• Pizza Dip
• Cowboy Caviar
• Salsa Verde