Craving a refreshing, protein-packed dish that's both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Black Bean Salad with Corn and Creamy Basil Dressing! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering meal that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a perfect side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this recipe is about to become your new go-to summer sensation.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup creamy basil dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly rinsing the black beans under cold water and draining completely. If using fresh corn, lightly steam or grill the kernels; if using frozen, thaw to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained black beans, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Gently mix the ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Season the bean and vegetable mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the creamy basil dressing over the salad and fold gently to coat all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of the dressing.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and slightly chill the dish.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional cracked black pepper for enhanced presentation and flavor.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grilled corn kernels if possible. The slight char adds a delicious smoky dimension to the salad.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- If you're preparing ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
- Use high-quality, fresh basil for the dressing to ensure the most vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
- Don't skip the salt and pepper seasoning - it helps bring out the individual flavors of each ingredient.
- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the salad an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 168kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 4mg
