Coconut Free Mexican-Inspired Black Bean Salad with Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette
Bold, smoky, and loaded with color, this black bean salad is the kind of dish that disappears fast at any table. The star move here is charring the corn in a hot skillet until it gets those golden, caramelized edges — it adds a depth of flavor that takes the whole bowl to another level. A bright lime-cumin vinaigrette ties everything together, with smoked paprika and a touch of turmeric giving the dressing a warm, complex backbone that goes way beyond a basic toss. Red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro keep things vibrant and crunchy, while creamy diced avocado folded in at the end makes every bite feel satisfying and rich. For anyone navigating coconut-free eating, this recipe is naturally a safe bet — every ingredient is straightforward, with no hidden tropical oils or sneaky coconut-derived additives to worry about. It works beautifully as a hearty side, a light lunch, or even spooned over greens for something more substantial. Squeeze on an extra lime wedge right before eating and you'll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
For the vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 1 large avocado, diced
- lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the corn kernels in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, for 3–4 minutes until the kernels are charred in spots and golden at the edges. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tbsp olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly emulsified.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!