Zesty Thai Black Bean and Corn Salad
This vibrant Zesty Thai Black Bean and Corn Salad is bursting with flavor and freshness! Perfectly sweet corn complements the hearty black beans, while crunchy vegetables add delightful texture. Enhanced with aromatic cilantro and a kick of jalapeño, this salad is drizzled with a tangy sesame-lime dressing that elevates every bite. Ideal as a light meal, a savory side dish, or a delicious topping for burgers and sandwiches, this refreshing salad has hints reminiscent of the popular quesadilla explosion salad from Chili's. A whole lime adds zesty brightness, and a touch of salt brings all the flavors together. Enjoy the healthful goodness of plant-based ingredients that make this salad both satisfying and nutritious.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen corn
1 cup (Cooked according to package directions)
Black beans
1 (15-ounce) can (Rinsed and drained)
Small onion
1 (Chopped)
Celery rib
1 (Thinly sliced)
Small sweet red pepper
1 (Chopped)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (Minced)
Jalapeño pepper
1 (Seeded and finely chopped)
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar
1 tablespoon
Lime juice
1 tablespoon (Preferably fresh)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced)
Fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, cook the frozen corn according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2
Add the rinsed and drained black beans, chopped onion, sliced celery, chopped sweet red pepper, minced cilantro, and finely chopped jalapeño to the bowl with the corn.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and salt until well combined.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Before serving, taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Black Bean and Corn Salad?
It is a vibrant, plant-based salad featuring corn, black beans, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy sesame-lime dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
You should refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian and plant-based.
What is the base of the dressing?
The dressing consists of sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and salt.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh corn; just ensure it is cooked according to standard methods before adding it to the salad.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad has a slight kick due to the inclusion of one seeded and finely chopped jalape!o pepper.
What can I serve this salad with?
It can be served as a light meal, a side dish, or even as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 13 specific ingredients.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
This recipe specifically calls for rice vinegar.
Does this recipe taste like any restaurant dishes?
The description notes it has hints reminiscent of the popular quesadilla explosion salad from Chili's.
How do I prepare the black beans?
The black beans should be rinsed and drained from a 15-ounce can.
Is fresh ginger necessary?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced fresh gingerroot for the best flavor.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced fresh cilantro.
Do I need to cook the vegetables?
Only the corn needs to be cooked; the onion, celery, pepper, and jalape!o are added raw for texture.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt but notes you can adjust to taste.
What kind of oil should I use?
Sesame oil is used to provide an aromatic, nutty flavor profile.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, healthful salad made with plant-based ingredients.
How many garlic cloves are in the dressing?
The dressing includes 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for one small sweet red pepper and one jalape!o pepper.
How should I prep the celery?
The celery rib should be thinly sliced.
Should I use fresh or bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is preferred for this recipe.
Can I add more lime juice?
Yes, the instructions suggest adjusting with additional lime juice before serving if desired.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to cook the frozen corn according to package directions and drain it.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the oil, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and salt in a separate small bowl until well combined.
What should I do with the jalape!o seeds?
The jalape!o should be seeded before being finely chopped.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered bowl or airtight container.
Is the onion cooked or raw?
The onion is chopped and added raw to provide crunch.
Does the recipe contain protein?
Yes, the black beans provide a source of plant-based protein.