Rice 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 earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. The corn gets charred in a hot skillet until golden at the edges, which adds a subtle smokiness that plays beautifully against the bright lime-cumin vinaigrette. Smoked paprika and a touch of turmeric deepen the dressing even further, giving every bite a warm, layered flavor that feels anything but simple. Crisp red bell pepper, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro keep things vibrant, while creamy diced avocado folded in at the end ties the whole bowl together. For anyone navigating a grain-free or rice-free approach, this salad is genuinely satisfying on its own — no filler needed, just hearty beans and bold produce doing all the work. It comes together in one skillet and one bowl, which means cleanup is minimal and the payoff is massive. Serve it straight away with extra lime wedges for a fresh, crowd-pleasing dish that works as a main, a side, or a meal-prep staple.
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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.
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