• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Dinner-Mom
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Plan Dinner
    • How to Meal Plan
    • Seasonal Produce Guide
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Plan Dinner
  • About
  • Fall Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Plan Dinner
    • About
    • Fall Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Snacks

    Easy Corn and Black Bean Salsa Recipe

    By Marjory Pilley Published May 30, 2023 · Updated May 30, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Pin It
    Corn and black bean salsa with red wine vinegar dressing in a glass bowl.

    This easy corn and black bean salsa recipe is ready in minutes using fresh or canned corn. Enjoy it as an appetizer, healthy snack, or side with your favorite Mexican dishes.

    Fresh corn and black bean salsa with red wine vinegar dressing in a wooden bowl.

    Salsa and crunchy tortilla chips equal a party at our house. Sometimes we go tropical with this pineapple salsa. Other times creamy 4-ingredient guacamole wins out.

    With these dips, we have to add a protein like chicken or fish to make it a meal. But are we done when it's black bean salsa with corn (a.k.a cowboy caviar)?

    It's a debate I have in my head, especially when I don't feel like making dinner. 🙂

    This healthy appetizer has all the right stuff: hearty black beans, fresh veggies, fruit, and even grains with a side of tortilla chips. It's truly a meatless dish that's ready in 15 minutes.

    This homemade salsa comes together with a tangy dressing of lime juice, red wine vinegar, and fresh cilantro. So it's hard to stop at a few bites.

    Rather than fighting the urge to have just a few chips, make a big batch, call it a salad or a rice bowl. Now dinner is done!

    And while you have out key ingredients like corn, black beans, and onion, make black bean cakes and Mexican street corn cups too.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Directions with Pictures
    • Serving Ideas for Corn Black Bean Salsa
    • Storage
    • More Healthy Salsa Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need for the best corn and black bean salsa:

    • Corn kernels - Check out how to microwave corn in the husk in just a few minutes. Fresh, sweet corn is ideal. One large corn cob is about 1 cup. However, a can of corn or defrosted frozen corn can be used.
    • Fresh tomatoes, such as Roma tomatoes. Any type will work, but Roma or plum tomatoes are easy to work with because only the thick outer flesh is needed.
    • Red onions, sweet white onions, or green onions.
    • Black beans - We used a can of black beans that was low in sodium. Of course, you can use beans cooked from scratch. You can also use white beans or black-eyed peas instead.
    • Cilantro if you're a lover of this herb like me! Otherwise, leave it off or use parsley.
    • Red wine vinegar. I've never used anything else. But some readers have used apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar.
    • Fresh lime juice or bottled juice. Lemon juice is an alternative.
    • Salt and pepper to taste.

    Other ingredients you may want to use:

    • Avocado - Wait to add this ingredient until just before serving to minimize browning.
    • Red bell pepper
    • Feta cheese - I like to serve this on the side to keep the recipe vegan.
    • Jalapeno peppers can be added to increase the heat level.
    • Grilled corn would be fantastic.

    Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

    Directions with Pictures

    Make corn and black bean salsa by combining fresh ingredients if possible! Amounts are provided. But this is a more or less recipe. Add more of what you love, and leave out what you don't like!

    Numbered steps to make corn black bean salsa: 1) corn off the cob, 2) chopped tomatoes, 3) rinsed black beans, 4) chopped red onion, 5) chopped cilanto, 6) mixed with red wine vinegar dressing.
    1. Remove corn from the cob. We started with this ingredient because you can stand the corn cob in the bowl and use a sharp knife to remove the kernels. It's perfectly ok for some to stick together!
      • Drain and rinse canned corn.
    2. Dice tomatoes. If using grape or cherry tomatoes, cut them in half or quarters.
    3. Finely dice the red onion.
    4. Drain and rinse the black beans.
    5. Snip the cilantro. I love cilantro and always add a little extra.
    6. Add everything to a large bowl, along with lime juice, red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix to combine, then let the salsa rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. The longer it sits, the better it gets! Stir again before serving.

    Serving Ideas for Corn Black Bean Salsa

    This black bean corn salsa recipe is not just for chips!

    • Top fish (such as Lemony Baked Basa) or chicken for a Southwestern flare.
    • Add it to rice bowls or tacos.
    • Add it to salads like Layered Taco Salad in a Mason Jar.
    • Top a baked potato or sweet potato with it.

    Storage

    Store leftover black bean corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

    More Healthy Salsa Recipes

    • Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe in bowl
      Easy Pineapple Salsa Recipe {Ways to Use It}
    • Apple Berry Salsa on 3 cinnamon chips on a plate.
      Apple Berry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips {Low-Sugar}
    • 1 Avocado Guacamole Recipe
      One Avocado Guacamole Recipe

    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📋 Recipe

    Fresh corn and black bean salsa with red wine vinegar dressing in a wooden bowl.

    Easy Corn and Black Bean Salsa Recipe

    This easy corn and black bean salsa recipe is ready in minutes using fresh or canned corn. Enjoy it as an appetizer, healthy snack, or side.
    5 from 4 votes
    Email Ingredients + Recipe
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Marjory Pilley

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup corn kernels cooked, about 1 large corn cob or about 1 can, rinsed and drained.
    • 1 cup plum tomato diced, about 2 medium
    • ½ cup red onion diced, about half of an onion
    • 1.5 cups black beans drained and rinsed (15-ounce can)
    • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Prepare the ingredients as indicated and then add everything to a large bowl. Follow directions to Microwave Corn on the Cob with the husk in place.
    • Stir to combine, and then let rest for about 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld together. Stir again before serving.
    • Serve with chips or on top of your favorite Mexican Dish!

    Notes

    See more expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions above.
    Storage: Store leftover black bean corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
    Grab 5 Low-Carb Saucesand get more easy, healthy recipes! JOIN HERE

    Nutrition

    Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 6.1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1.5mg
    Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

     This recipe was originally published on May 2, 2013, and was updated to improve the reader experience.

    More Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    • Three beef crescent roll pot pies on a plate.
      Individual Beef Crescent Roll Pot Pies
    • Parmesan Crusted Broiled Scallops lined up on a plate with minced parsley around them.
      Perfect Broiled Scallops with a Parmesan Crust
    • Seven Parmesan Cheese Crisps oven-baked with shredded zucchini and carrot mixed in added stacked in a pile.
      Parmesan Cheese Crisps Recipe (Plain or With Veggies)
    • Keto-friendly, baked green bean fries coated in Parmesan cheese on a plate.
      Baked Green Bean Fries (Easy Green Bean Appetizer)
    • Share

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Hadia

      July 25, 2017 at 2:13 pm

      5 stars
      What a pretty festive salsa! Just fabulous!!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        February 20, 2018 at 12:25 pm

        I'm so glad you like it!

        Reply
    2. Claire

      April 17, 2018 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      This looks so fresh and delicious..
      Perfect for Cinco De Mayo!
      I would like some soft tortilla wraps, this dip and a cold beer. PERFECT!

      Reply
      • Marjory

        April 17, 2018 at 10:57 am

        Thanks for your comment. I like your plan!

        Reply
    3. April

      April 17, 2018 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I could make a meal of this with chips! 🙂 This is the sort of thing I love during the summer - easy and fresh

      Reply
      • Marjory

        April 17, 2018 at 10:57 am

        Thanks April! I feel the same way! 🙂

        Reply
    4. sdfgh

      May 01, 2018 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      awesomely tasty at that

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Corn and black bean salsa with red wine vinegar dressing in a glass bowl.

    Thanks for stopping by! We're sharing easy, healthy recipes. . . many from the Meal Assembly Kitchens we owned. Most are low-carb too! Read more about us here.

    Grab the FREE Low-Carb Sauces Cheat Sheet and get easy, healthy recipes, and tips to be spectacularly organized in the kitchen!

    Popular Recipes

    • Three slices of turkey tenderloin on a plate with cauliflower rice and a fork.
      Easy Baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
    • Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
      Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
    • Slices of ground chicken meatloaf on a platter.
      Ground Chicken Meatloaf - Amazingly Delicious Recipe!
    • Whipped cottage cheese dessert cup topped with chocolate chips
      Whipped Cottage Cheese Dessert Cups {Low-carb}
    • Microwave Corn on the Cob being pulled from husk
      Microwave Corn on the Cob in Husk - No Messy Silk!
    • Crispy Cauliflower Bites in a bowl
      Parmesan Cauliflower Bites - Just 5 Ingredients!
    • Frozen cauliflower mash in serving bowl with wooden spoon.
      Frozen Cauliflower Mash - Easy, Creamy Recipe
    • Lemony Baked Basa - Quick and Easy!
      Lemony Baked Basa - Quick and Easy!

    Now Trending

    • Serving of crock-pot baked ziti with ricotta in front of a slow cooker.
      Crock-Pot Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses
    • Whipped cottage cheese dessert in a cup topped with chocolate chips with 2 pumpkins behind it.
      Whipped Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Dessert
    • Hand holding a healthy Greek yogurt pumpkin muffin with chocolate chips.
      Healthy Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Muffins
    • Beef shoulder roast topped with red wine mushroom sauce on a plate.
      Slow Cooker Beef Shoulder Roast
    • Keto chaffles on plate with Dash mini waffle maker behind it.
      Easy Keto Chaffle Recipe - Just 3 Ingredients!
    • Alice Springs Chicken topped with honey mustard and cheese on plate with mushrooms surrounding it.
      Alice Springs Chicken - Copycat Recipe

    Footer

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Corn and black bean salsa with red wine vinegar dressing in a glass bowl.

    ^ back to top

    Unsubscribe at any time! Thank you for being part of the Dinner-Mom family!


    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Dinner-Mom