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Home » Recipes » Snacks and Appetizer Recipes

Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Modified: Jul 22, 2025 by Kori Butler

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This black bean salsa is a quick, flavor-packed recipe you'll want to make on repeat. It's made with canned black beans, juicy tomatoes, fresh corn-or frozen if it's out of season-and a zesty lime dressing. Serve it with tortilla chips or spoon it over grilled chicken for a fresh, vibrant bite.

A white serving bowl with black and bean and corn salsa with a spoon and tortilla chips.Pin
Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • It's a must-make.
  • Let's talk texture and flavor.
  • What you'll need.
  • Customize it your way.
  • Flexible dietary swaps.
  • How to make this black bean and corn salsa recipe.
  • How to serve it.
  • Kori's tips.
  • FAQ's
  • 📖 The recipe.
  • Keep the good eats going.
  • 💬 What readers are saying.

The backstory.

Sweet corn is everywhere right now-piled high at the farmers market and practically begging to be tossed into something fresh. I had a couple of ears on the counter, a can of black beans in the pantry, and a craving for something light but satisfying. This salsa was the answer. It's the kind of recipe that comes together fast, feels healthy, and pulls double duty: I snack on it with chips, then pile the leftovers on tacos, salads, or grilled chicken. Simple, vibrant, and so, so good.

xoxo Kori

It's a must-make.

Trust me, this black bean and corn salsa will be your new go-to-here's what makes it so crave-worthy.:

  • Packed with fresh ingredients - it's a vibrant mix of vegetables and herbs, complemented by real lime juice.
  • Delicious and versatile - spoon it over grilled chicken, dip it with tortilla chips, or pile it into tacos.
  • Great for meal prep - make it ahead and enjoy it chilled throughout the week.
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free - this bean corn salsa is perfect for clean eating.

There's something about fresh corn and black beans that just works-this salsa is my favorite way to turn simple ingredients into something crave-worthy.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

Every bite of this fresh corn and black bean salsa is bursting with texture and flavor. You get juicy pops of sweet corn and tomatoes, the creamy bite of canned black beans, a crisp crunch from red onion and jalapeño, and just the right kick from cumin and chili powder. The lime juice and olive oil dressing pulls it all together with a zesty, bright finish that keeps you going back for more.

What you'll need.

Ingredients needed for making corn and black bean salsa on a white wooden board.

Here's what you're going to need to make this corn and black bean salsa:

  • Vegetables: 2 ears of fresh corn on the cob (use frozen corn if it's easier or out of season), diced cherry tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeno, all finely chopped.
  • Seasonings: ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. These flavors give a warm, earthy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
  • Herbs: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of herby brightness.
  • Olive oil: the perfect base for a quick vinaigrette for the salsa.
  • Lime juice: the acidity adds a zing and helps marry all the flavors beautifully.

Love this one? Don't miss my other bold, flavor-packed salsa recipes-like smoky salsa verde, tangy dill pickle salsa, or sweet-and-spicy jalapeño strawberry salsa. Craving something fruity? Try the tropical mango peach salsa. Want a hearty scoopable favorite? Go for cowboy caviar or a classic corn salsa. There's a salsa for every mood!

Customize it your way.

This bean salsa recipe is super flexible and easy to riff on depending on what you've got:

  • Add diced mango for an extra sweet and creamy touch.
  • Use diced roma tomatoes in place of cherry tomatoes.
  • Add diced bell pepper for a pop of color and crunch.
  • Add chopped avocado to make it indulgent and creamy (plus it pairs perfectly with the flavors, especially on tacos).
  • Use grilled corn instead of boiled for a smoky twist.
  • Use pinto beans instead of black beans for a softer texture.

Flexible dietary swaps.

This black bean salsa is already pretty wholesome, but here are a few smart ways to make it fit your goals:

  • Oil-free: skip the olive oil and use just a little extra lime juice instead.
  • Low-sodium: reduce or skip the salt and add a dash of onion or garlic powder for added flavor.
  • Less heat: reduce or omit the jalapeno and substitute with a mild bell pepper.

How to make this black bean and corn salsa recipe.

This salsa recipe comes together in minutes-super easy and always a hit:

Placing the corn in a white microwave dish then microwave steaming.Pin

Cook the corn

Boil or steam the fresh corn until done, and cool. Slice off the kernels.

Adding all the salsa ingredients together in large bowl then tossing together.Pin

Toss all ingredients together

Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss until combined.

Adding the salsa to a serving bowl then scooping up with a tortilla chip.Pin

Refrigerate and serve

Refrigerate to let the flavors meld. Season to taste and serve.

How to serve it.

Mexican corn and black bean salsa in a bowl with tortilla chips.Pin

This corn and black bean salsa is super versatile and can be served in all kinds of ways:

  • Serve with tortilla chips at a party or cookout - it's always a hit!
  • Spoon over grilled chicken or fish for a fresh twist.
  • Add it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.
  • Served with scrambled eggs or avocado toast.
  • Pack it into a mason jar for on-the-go lunches.
  • Top a green salad with a generous scoop and drizzle with extra lime juice.
  • Layer it in a 7-layer dip for a bright, zesty kick.

Kori's tips.

  • Don't skip the chilling step - it helps all the flavors meld for the best taste.
  • Use fresh corn when in season - it adds unbeatable crunch and sweetness.
  • Shortcut alert - frozen sweet corn or canned sweet corn works great too-just drain and cool it first.
  • Use a slotted spoon to serve - extra lime juice and olive oil can collect at the bottom.

FAQ's

What is the best way to store it?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Not recommended-fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro can get mushy after thawing.

Can I make black bean salsa ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after it sits for a bit. Making it 1 to 2 hours-or even a day-in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Pinterest pin with the words fresh and flavorful corn and black bean salsa.Pin

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

Corn and black bean salsa served in a white bowl with a blue tortilla chip.

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

This black bean salsa is bright, zesty, and ridiculously easy to throw together-like the life of the party in a bowl. It's packed with bold Southwest flavor and makes the perfect scoopable dip, taco topper, or sidekick to grilled meats. Fresh, tangy, and just the right amount of heat!
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Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer and Snack Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 7
Calories 52 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ears 2 ears fresh corn, about 1 cup (You can substitute 1 cup of thawed frozen sweet corn if fresh corn isn't available or you need a shortcut. Microwave steam the frozen corn until crisp tender, then cool)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes (for consistent sizing, just quarter them)
  • ½ cup small diced red onion (¼" diced)
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely minced
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil or steam the ears for 3 to 5 minutes until tender, then cool and slice off the kernels.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients. Toss to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Video

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Letting the salsa chill for 30 to 60 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Use a slotted spoon if serving it as a dip—extra juice can collect at the bottom of the bowl.
VARIATIONS: Use diced Roma tomatoes (seeds removed) instead of cherry tomatoes. Grill the corn for a smoky twist, or use frozen sweet corn—just steam until crisp-tender and drain. Swap black beans for pinto or cannellini, or add mango or avocado for a fruity spin. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with tortilla chips, spoon over tacos or burrito bowls, or use it as a fresh topping for grilled chicken or fish. It’s also fantastic over scrambled eggs or avocado toast.

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 272IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

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Image of Kori Butler Seeking Good Eats Founder

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

More about me

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