Vegetarian Mexican-Inspired Black Bean Salad with Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette
Bold, smoky, and bright all at once, this black bean salad is the kind of dish that disappears fast at any table. The real magic starts in the skillet, where corn kernels get charred until golden at the edges — that little step adds a depth of flavor you just can't get from tossing everything together raw. A punchy lime-cumin vinaigrette ties it all together, with smoked paprika and turmeric rounding out the warmth without overwhelming the fresh vegetables. Red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion bring crunch and color, while cilantro and optional jalapeño keep things lively. Diced avocado folded in at the end adds creaminess that makes every bite feel satisfying and complete. It's a genuinely filling, protein-rich meal that doesn't rely on meat substitutes or complicated techniques — just honest ingredients working beautifully together. Serve it straight from the bowl with extra lime wedges and watch it vanish.
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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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