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Summer Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad Recipe with Lime Crema

summer grilled corn and black bean salad - featured image

A smoky, creamy, and tangy summer salad made with grilled corn, black beans, and a zesty lime crema. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Mexican crema or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Husk the corn and remove all silk.
  2. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred on all sides.
  3. Let corn cool slightly, then cut kernels off the cob. Aim for about 3 cups.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt, and cumin (if using). Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine grilled corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and most of the cilantro.
  6. If using optional dressing, drizzle olive oil and 1 tablespoon lime juice over salad and toss.
  7. Drizzle lime crema over salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Start with 3/4 of the crema and add more to taste.
  8. Gently fold in diced avocado. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Garnish with remaining cilantro and a sprinkle of lime zest. Serve immediately or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Notes

For best results, add avocado and lime crema just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess. Soak red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite. The salad tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn salad, black bean salad, summer salad, lime crema, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy side dish