Healthier Bean Salad with Corn
This corn and bean salad is great for summertime potlucks and picnics, and it’s also great for lunch or as a meatless dinner. You don’t even need to turn on your oven. Love these types of recipes in the summer! This Mexican-inspired salad with beans and corn is healthy, loaded with fiber and protein, naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. If you omit the cheese, it becomes accidentally vegan. I’m all for skinny, bikini-friendly salads especially this time of year. I couldn’t stop eating it!
Ingredients in Corn and Bean Salad
For the corn and bean salad, you’ll need:
Canned black beans and kidney beans Canned corn Grape or cherry tomatoes Red bell pepper Queso fresco Green onions Fresh cilantro
And for the bean salad dressing, you’ll need:
Olive oil Lime juice Apple cider vinegar Agave or honey Spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper)
Can I Substitute the Queso Fresco?
I had queso fresco cheese in my fridge, which is a classically Mexican, mild-flavored, cow’s milk cheese. I get it at my regular grocery store but you can add another favorite cheese if you can’t find it.
How to Make Bean Salad with Corn
The Mexican-inspired bean corn salad comes together quickly and easily. Nothing to cook, and a simple whisk-together dressing makes for minimal hands on prep! Follow these basic instructions:
Storage Instructions
This kidney bean, black bean, and corn salad will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. You’ll need to store it covered, though. The longer the salad sits in the fridge, the more liquid will collect at the bottom of the bowl. If that bothers you, either drain some of it off or give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. To liven up the leftover corn and bean salad, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro or squeeze extra lime juice on top.
Tips for the Best Bean Salad
Make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before tossing them in the salad. You want to rinse off any excess salt and liquid stuck to the beans. This Mexican corn and bean salad calls for canned corn, but you can substitute fresh or frozen corn instead. In general, any of these ingredients can be changed as you see fit (green bell pepper can be used in place of red, agave can be used in place of honey, etc). And if you like spicy foods, you may want to add some finely diced jalapeño to this bean and corn salad. Remove the seeds first if you don’t want it to be too spicy!
What to Serve with Bean and Corn Salad
Enjoy the corn and bean salad as an entree, or serve it alongside your choice of protein. I love scooping up the salad with homemade tortilla chips, too! Some of my favorite Mexican recipes to make with this salad are:
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Grilled Pineapple Chicken Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats Mango Salsa Salmon Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken
More Easy Mexican Salads:
ALL OF MY MEXICAN RECIPES! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Mexican Corn and Black Bean Salad – An EASY corn salad with black beans, zucchini, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and more!! So much Mexican-inspired FLAVOR in every bite of this family favorite recipe that’s sure to be a hit!! Avocado, Black Bean and Corn Salad with Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette – Everything tastes better with avocado! Easy, healthy and tons of flavor! Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing – Loaded with your favorite taco fixings, minus the shells, to keep things healthier without sacrificing any flavor! The dressing is easy, creamy and irresistible! Loaded Chicken Taco Salad with Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing – Fast, easy, fresh and healthy! All your favorite taco flavors in one big kickin’ salad that everyone will love! Mexican Wedge Salad with Creamy Avocado-Cilantro Dressing – A Mexican twist on the classic wedge salad with black beans, peppers, corn, crunchy tortilla strips, and more!! Easy, healthy, and the dressing is so flavorful!! Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad — A Mexican-inspired salad with tender chicken, black beans, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and more! Mango Pineapple Shrimp Salad – With tropical fruit, avocado, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and plump JUICY shrimp, this EASY 15-minute recipe will become a new FAVORITE!
