This fresh black bean and corn salsa is a quick and easy dip that’s perfect for taking to a BBQ or enjoying in your own backyard. Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and avocados are combined with canned black beans and corn for a quick and tasty snack!
Scooping it up with tortilla chips as an appetizer, or sample some on a fresh-off-the-grill hot dog. This salsa is so versatile, you’ll be tempted to eat it as a salad! Once you give it a taste, you’ll understand why!
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A Garden’s Harvest
Growing up, my family always had a little vegetable garden in the backyard. Tomatoes and green peppers were a must, and every year we’d try growing some type of other veggies, too. Cucumbers, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and pumpkins each had a turn growing in our little plot, and my brother and I loved digging through the leaves and vines to harvest a supply of veggies each week. We were always excited to eat what we’d grown ourselves.
Flash forward to the present day – the sad little vegetable patch in my yard is nowhere near the jam-packed garden I grew up with. Apparently I didn’t inherit my father’s green thumb. But I do manage to grow a few tomato plants every year…and occasionally my pepper plants survive somehow!
A Rainbow of Colors
But whether I’m using my own homegrown tomatoes and peppers or the beautiful veggies from our local farmers’ market, I love putting together this colorful salsa. My family devours it without realizing how healthy it is! Nutritionists tell us that it is important to eat foods that are a variety of colors to take in greater amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Red produce, like the tomatoes in this salsa, contain powerful antioxidants like lycopene. Lycopene is a great source of vitamin C and potassium, and there is evidence that it protects against some forms of cancers, such as breast and prostate.
Yellow vegetables are rich in vitamin A, B, and E. Corn is also high in fiber, which aids in digestion. Corn kernels also contain phytochemicals that assist in halting carcinogens from infecting cells, thereby staving off cancer.
Everyone has heard of the health benefits of green produce, especially those leafy greens. But avocados contain a surprising number of additional nutrients, such as vitamins B6, C, E, and K. They also contain phytochemicals that protect the eyes from ultraviolet light, and beta sitosterol which helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
More Nutritious Than Traditional Tomato Salsa
What sets this black bean and corn salsa apart from its traditional counterpart is its substantial, almost salad-like quality that makes it a filling side dish rather than just a condiment. The combination of black beans and corn provides a complete protein profile, making it an excellent choice for vegetarian and vegan meals.
The flavors come together so beautifully, with each ingredient bringing something special to the dish. The natural sweetness of the corn balances the hearty, slightly nutty taste of the black beans, while fresh herbs and citrus add brightness that prevents the dish from feeling too heavy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing meal prep bowls, or looking for a healthy potluck contribution, this salsa delivers both nutrition and flavor in every bite!
Super Easy Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Course: Appetizers and SnacksDifficulty: Easy12
servings15
minutes15
minutesThis quick, easy salsa is bursting with flavor! Tomatoes, beans, corn, and cilantro, combined in zesty dressing, deliver the essence of summer to your table.
Ingredients
4 plum tomatoes, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)
15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
15 oz can sweet corn, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
2-3 tablespoons lime juice
2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
2 avocados, diced
Additional chopped cilantro for garnish, if desired
Directions
- Combine tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, black beans, chickpeas, corn, cilantro, and jalapeno (if using) in a large bowl. Stir until well combined. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic salt, and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well-combined.
- Pour dressing over other ingredients. Stir well to coat.
- Gently fold in avocados.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or refrigerate until serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Looking for More Appetizers?
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This sounds yummy. I would cut this recipe in half or even 1/4.
Yes, you’ll definitely want to cut it down if you’re just making it for a couple people. It’s pretty easy to do, especially if you like to use black beans in salad.
I am so excited to try this out! This legitimately is exactly the kind of thing i’ve been looking for, to try out new for Easter dinner as an appetizer this year! Thank you so much!
Enjoy it! I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites!
Yum! This salsa look amazing. I’ll definitely be trying the recipe.
Thanks! It’s so easy, you can’t go wrong!
Looks and sounds tasty!
It’s one of the best fresh tasting salsas I’ve had.
Looks easy and tasty! Bet my 13yo would love to try and make this!
Yes, it would be a great recipe for a beginning chef!
I bet home-cooked beans would make it even better.
Absolutely! If you’ve got extra time to prep them, they’d be delicious in this salsa!
This looks super easy, I’d be skipping the cilantro, but otherwise yummy!
One of my daughters can’t tolerate cilantro, either. You can substitute parsley if you want a little sprinkle of green, otherwise it’s still tasty without!
This looks great!!
Thank you! Let us know if you give it a try!
This sounds delicious! I love trying different types of salsa, and this one sounds right up my alley!
I’m so glad you think so! I love salsas, too. Probably too much…lol!
Looks great! I love fresh salsas! Going to try this one for sure!
Let us know how you liked it, and if you made any adjustments that you loved!
This looks perfect to top our tacos tomorrow!
Ironically, we’re having it on tacos tonight!
Looks 💣
Probably tastes so good with some salty corn chips too 🤙
Totally! Or just a spoon…
This looks so delicious! I want to make it soon!
I honestly can’t wait until my tomatoes grow so I can use them in this!
This looks so wonderful!
Thank you! I love how eye-catching it is with all the colors.
This looks amazing. I uploaded it to my Paprika recipe app so I’ll have it when I’m at the grocer! <3
Thanks! I know you’ll enjoy it!
YUM!! This is such an easy recipe that anyone can make! I can’t wait to try this!
I usually have all the ingredients on hand, so it’s nice to pull together if someone stops by unexpectedly.
Mmm I love salsas that have chunky ingredients in them! If I eat enough, it’s like its own meal! 🙂
I’m totally guilty of eating chips and salsa as a meal! 😀