Description
Spicy zesty black bean corn salsa brings Mexican street flavors dancing across your plate. Crisp vegetables and bold seasonings create a refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick, healthy snack you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2–3 ears of corn or 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn, drained)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Fresh Herbs and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
Optional Add-in:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced (for added creaminess)
Instructions
- Carefully rinse black beans under cold water to remove excess sodium and starch, ensuring a clean base for the salsa.
- Select corn preparation method: either use fresh raw corn for crisp sweetness or grill corn to develop a smoky undertone that adds depth to the salsa.
- Dice all vegetables with precision, creating uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent flavor distribution and appealing texture.
- Combine black beans and corn as the foundational layer, then incorporate finely chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and minced jalapeños for a vibrant flavor profile.
- Gently fold fresh cilantro into the mixture, squeezing lime juice to brighten and balance the salsa’s overall taste.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal preference while ensuring each ingredient’s natural flavors are enhanced.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious and integrated salsa.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing accompaniment to chips, tacos, or grilled proteins, enjoying the complex layered flavors that have developed during resting time.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most vibrant and delicious salsa.
- Rinse black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
- Consider dietary modifications by swapping ingredients: use bell peppers for less heat, add quinoa for extra protein, or make it vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg