A simple yet very tasty vegan jam packed vegan salad with a combination of sweet corn, black beans, quinoa, avocado and peppers just to name a few, drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar dressing.
If you're a fan of salad or even just looking to hop on the wagon, then you are in the right place.
I hope that this jam packed black bean and corn salad with balsamic vinegar will win you over.
It's made from scratch, using ingredients that are easy to obtain from your local supermarket, some you will already have to hand, plus doesn't take very long to prepare.
Who doesn't love a salad that comes together within 30 minutes? I know I do!!.
This black bean and corn salad with balsamic vinegar is what you have been waiting for because it gives you that ultimate goodness with some Latin flare.
Since first making this recipe I've tweaked it by increasing the amount of corn and black beans and adding balsamic vinegar which I think makes a difference in taste.
You know I'm a big fan of latin flavours I just recently made this Colombian coconut rice known as Arroz Con Coco
In the same breathe, I'm very partial to some some black beans (as if that wasn't so obvious) This Black Bean Curry and Moros y Cristianos are ideal for a girl like me.
Ingredients you will need
I will list the main ingredients needed to build your salad
- Black Beans: To keep the time down use cooked beans. They can be canned, just make sure water is drained off and it's free from sodium.
- Sweet Corn: When eating any corn related I try to go for NON GMO/organic corn. You want loose corn pieces, not corn on the cob.
- Red Peppers: This is for that crunchy flare with natural sweetness. Red bell peppers are the sweetest of them all so I would definitely use these or yellow ones.
- Mango: This is optional but I like to add some uber sweet mango to my salads. It's so nice to get a random burst of sweetness with savory.
- Quinoa: Cooked quinoa, red, white or tri colours, it doesn't matter!!
- Red Onions: That slight tartness from using red onions is what you need to balance things out.
- Scallion: This is optional but I like scallions!!
- Avocado: Avocados are a must to latin dishes, make sure they aren't firm, purchase soft ones.
How to make black bean and corn salad with balsamic vinegar
- Add all of the ingredients to large bowl (mango too and avocado if you are eating straight away)
- Toss all of the ingredients together so they are fully combined and ready for the dressing.
Why you should make this salad
- Salads are a creative way of incorporating your 5 a day fruit and veggies.
- It's really simple to make and beginner friendly
- Both quinoa and black beans contain protein
- It's a salad that contains no leafy greens (if you don't like them)
- The salad has flavour - no boring, bland rabbit food around here!!
- It's healthy with nutritional value
- It's suitable for vegans and contains NO gluten.
You can also switch things up a little and add some meat if you're not a vegan. Alternatively, you can add more fruit and not just go with the mango or even include more veggies.
It's such a diverse salad but really all you need is here in my recipe.
How do you prevent avocado from turning brown?
Just like apples, avocado have a tendency to slightly darken in colour. This occurs when the flesh is exposed to the air.
Granted it doesn't look very appetising though it's still perfectly safe to eat. You can omit this from happening (to a degree) by cutting your avocado and leaving it to soak in some salt water.
How long can I keep the salad refrigerated?
I would advise to consume within 2 days from making it to be on the safe side.
Notes and tips
- Chop your veggies ahead of time. If you're really pushed for time or simply want to be a head of yourself then I would suggest chopping up your veggies and storing them in a zip lock bag, ready to use (excluding the avocado).
- Avocado inclusion. I would advise cutting your avocado as soon as you're ready to eat the salad. Don't leave it to soak overnight or for a length of time. In other words, let it be one of the last things to add to your salad bowl.
- Mix things up. There's no reason why you cannot add some other herbs like parsley, thyme to the salad.
- For best results. Allow the bowl of salad to rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes with the dressing on so the flavours really infuse.
- Be diverse. That's right, think outside the box, serve this salad as a salsa or with some corn chips.
Try these avocado desserts
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Black Bean and Corn Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
Ingredients
- 2 cans of black beans (14oz, drained) or 1 ½ cups cooked beans
- 1 ½ cups of Corn organic, if possible
- ½ cup of Cooked quinoa
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup of fresh mango chopped (optional)
- 1 whole avocado stone removed, peeled and chopped
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette (Dressing)
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup of olive oil
- ¼ cup of cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon of Coconut nectar or maple, agave etc...
- 1 teaspoon of Black pepper optional
- ¼ teaspoon of cumin
- ½ teaspoon of himalayan pink salt
Instructions
- Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing and place in a jar/ bowl and set aside
- Combine all of the vegetables and mango (if using) for the salad in a bowl.
- Add the chopped avocado only if you plan on eating straight away.
- Drizzle the dressing over entire salad
- Serve accordingly
Notes
- Chop your veggies ahead of time. If you're really pushed for time or simply want to be a head of yourself then I would suggest chopping up your veggies and storing them in a zip lock bag ready to use (excluding the avocado).
- Avocado inclusion. I would advise cutting your avocado as soon as you're ready to eat the salad. Don't leave to soak overnight or for a length of time. In other words, let it be one of the last things to add to your salad bowl.
- Mix things up. There's no reason why you cannot add some other herbs like parsley, thyme to the salad.
- For best results. Allow the bowl of salad to rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes with the dressing on so the flavours really infuse.
- Be diverse. That's right, think outside the box, serve this salad as a salsa or with some corn chips.
Polarchick says
Seemed a little bland to me so I added some chopped marinated artichoke hearts and feta (I know, not really with the theme, but it added some distinctive "tang"). My husband topped it with some salsa and thought that improved it also.
Charla says
Sorry to hear that. I'm glad you were able to adjust it to suit and nothing went to waste.
Mimi says
A beautiful salad. I throw salads like this together in the summer but never include quinoa or other cooked grains. I think it would add to the texture greatly! thanks!
Charla says
Thanks mimi. Like yourself I don't normally add quiona or grains to my salad but because this one is so light it's works perfectly.
Mila Buckley says
I'm really craving this! I love these flavors all together in the summer.
Katrina Adams says
Love Mexican Food!! I must try!!
Erika| Black Girls Who Brunch says
Such beautiful summery colors! Sounds like a yummy salad!
Jazz says
This looks so fresh and flavorful. I have to make it!
Shanika says
This Black Bean and Corn salad looks refreshing! The perfect summer dish!
Aaron Oliver says
This is a beautiful summer salad! Can't wait to make it!
Charla says
thank you!
Holly says
I see no lime in the sweet lime dressing?
Charla says
Apologies Holly, I have just adjusted the recipe card. It should be the juice from one lime that is squeezed.
Petra / Be Healthy Now says
This is a really wonderful combination of ingredients, I cannot wait to make this at home!
Charla says
Thank you! It's my go to salad right now.