Black Bean Salad
Published on June 02, 2023
Quick Summary
This easy and fresh Black Bean Salad with corn, avocado, tomatoes, red pepper, cilantro, and lime is always a crowd pleaser! Serve it as a salad or dip with tortilla chips!

One of my favorite things about summer are all of the BBQโs, parties, potlucks, and picnics. I feel like our neighborhood is a lot more social during the summertime.
One of my favorite recipes to make during the summertime is this Black Bean Salad. It is my go to because I love it and because EVERYONE loves it. It is always a crowd pleaser! And the best part? It only takes minutes to make!
You can serve it as a salad or even as a chip dip, kind of similar to Cowboy Caviar. I love scooping this salad up with salty tortilla chips!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
I also love this salad because it is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it a great salad to share with everyone! It is colorful, healthy, and super fresh! This easy salad has all of my favorite ingredients in one bowl.
- Black beansโ make sure you rinse and drain the black beans before you get started. You donโt want the liquid in the can in your salad or it will be soupy.
- Cornโ I love using fresh sweet corn in this salad during the summertime. Cut the corn kernels off a large ear of corn with a sharp knife. You donโt have to cook the sweet corn, you can add it to the salad raw. If corn is out of season, you can use frozen corn or drained canned corn.
- Tomatoesโ I use grape or cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. You can also use a large tomato and chop it, both work great!
- Red bell pepperโ yellow or orange bell pepper work too!
- Red onionโ I use red onion because I love the pop of purple, but green onion will work too.
- Cilantroโ chopped cilantro really boost the flavor in this salad. If you are in the group that thinks cilantro tastes like soap, you could use fresh parsley instead. I love the cilantro flavor though:)
- Limeโ Fresh lime juice prevents the avocado from browning and adds great flavor.
- Olive oilโ just a little drizzle. You can also use avocado oil.
- Spicesโ I add chili powder and cumin. The chili powder doesnโt make the salad spicy, it just gives it a nice flavor. If you want to add heat to the salad, you can add diced jalapeรฑo.
- Avocadoโ stir in the avocado right before serving so it doesnโt turn brown.
How to Make Black Bean Salad
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, red pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, chili powder, and cumin.
- Stir to combine.
- Gently stir in the avocado and season with additional salt, if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of lettuce to bulk it up for lunch or dinner. Add a drizzle of Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing.
- Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or Fritos. It makes a great appetizer for any party!
- Put the black bean salad inside of a quesadilla.
- Use the salad as a taco filling.
How to Store
You can prepare the salad in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just wait to stir in the avocado right before. Stir gently so it doesnโt get mashed up.
More Salad Recipes
Black Bean Salad
Equipment
- Salad Bowl (I LOVE my Williams Sonoma Pantry Serving Bowl)
Ingredients
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, 1 large ear of sweet corn or 1 cup defrosted frozen corn
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 ยฝ limes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, and chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, red pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to combine. Gently stir in the avocado and season with additional salt, if necessary. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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Love this salad! Just made it for the first time today.
Itโs a good one!
Delicious. Quick and easy summer salad. Very versatile.
This is a delicious recipe. Takes no time to put together and such wonderful flavour.
Such a great salad!
I made this salad and it was delicious I am in the process of making it again today. Thatโs how much I love this recipe.
I could eat it every day:)
Made this today for evening guests. Everyone loved the fresh flavor combinations, colors, and textures. Thanks so much!! Going to do it again tomorrow.
Itโs such a good and easy salad. I am glad you loved it!