Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 6–8)

Salad base:

2 cups fresh or fire-roasted corn kernels (you love smoky depth!)
1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed & drained
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
½ cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water 10 min to mellow bite)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime-cilantro dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes—you love citrus!)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional boosts (you’ll love these!):

Extra heat: 1 diced jalapeño or ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Creamy tang: 2 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese
Crunch: 2 tbsp toasted pepitas or hemp seeds (you love nuts!)

Instructions

1. Prep veggies:

Soak red onion in cold water 10 minutes; drain well. Dice avocado just before assembling.

2. Make dressing:

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Toss salad:

In a large bowl, combine corn, black beans, tomatoes, avocado, drained red onion, and cilantro. Pour dressing over; toss gently.

4. Serve:

Top with optional cotija, pepitas, or jalapeño if desired.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use fire-roasted corn—adds authentic smoky sweetness (frozen or canned works too!).
✅ Dice avocado last—prevents browning and mushiness.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use no-salt-added beans + skip added salt
→ Boost umami with extra lime zest and cumin
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to dressing for fiber + glycemic control
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Reduce corn to 1 cup; double black beans
→ Net carbs drop from 20g → 10g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Chop tomatoes/onion 4 hours ahead (store separately)
→ Assemble within 30 minutes of serving for best texture

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: Best served fresh (avocado softens slightly over time).
→ Serving ideas:
→ Alongside grilled chicken or fish tacos
→ As a standalone light lunch with tortilla chips
→ Scooped into lettuce cups for low-carb meal

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):