Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro and Lime

Summer is upon us, and this insanely simple grilled corn and black bean salad is here to help you push through these last few scorching hot months. Grilling the corn kernels caramelizes their sugars, giving them a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. (If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop over high heat.) And because it's grilled, the corn kernels have a bit of a smoky flavor that would be missing if you used raw corn. You'll also need some black beans, a red onion, cilantro, lime, olive oil, salt, and pepper. That's it! Throw it all into a bowl and you're practically done. Of course, you could add some chopped avocado or tomato, maybe some crumbled queso fresco or feta... but why complicate things? This salad is perfect as-is.

I've been making this salad for years, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a summer barbecue, or as a side dish for any grilled meat or fish. I've even served it as a vegetarian main course, and it was a hit. The best part about this salad is that it's so versatile. You can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste. For example, if you don't like cilantro, you can leave it out. Or, if you want a spicier salad, you can add a jalapeño pepper. The possibilities are endless. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill and give this salad a try! You won't be disappointed.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the corn until it is charred and tender, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.
4. Cut the corn off the cob and place it in a large bowl.
5. Add the black beans, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
6. Stir until combined.
7. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• Grilling the corn kernels caramelizes their sugars, giving them a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
• The combination of sweet corn, savory black beans, crunchy red onion, and fresh cilantro is irresistible.
• The lime juice adds a bright, acidic flavor that balances out the sweetness of the corn.
• The olive oil helps to bind the salad together and adds a touch of richness.
• The salt and pepper enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.