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Fresh Southwest Black Bean and Grilled Corn Protein Salad

southwest black bean and grilled corn protein salad - featured image
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A quick, easy, and satisfying salad featuring smoky grilled corn, creamy black beans, and a zesty Southwest-inspired dressing. Perfect for a healthy meal or side dish that supports weight loss and clean eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn), grilled until slightly charred
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the corn ears lightly with olive oil and grill them, turning occasionally, until nicely charred on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then carefully cut the kernels off the cob.
  2. While the corn cools, rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly. Quarter the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, gently toss together the grilled corn kernels, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. For best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Give it one last gentle toss before serving.

Notes

Use a serrated knife and hold the corn cob vertically for easier cutting of kernels. Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and metallic taste. For a smoky twist, add chipotle powder or diced jalapeños for extra heat. Salad can be served cold or at room temperature and is great for meal prep if dressing is stored separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean salad, grilled corn salad, southwest salad, healthy salad, protein salad, weight loss recipe, easy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/fresh-southwest-black-bean-and-grilled-corn-protein-salad-easy-healthy-recipe-for-weight-loss/