This versatile side salad is also great for scooping with nacho chips or as a taco filling!
Ingredients
4 medium ear(s)
Sweet white corn
(husk removed, grilled)
1 can (15oz)
Black beans, canned
(rinsed and drained)
1 can (15oz)
Chickpeas, canned, low sodium
(rinsed and drained)
1 cup
Cilantro (coriander)
(chopped)
1 medium pepper(s)
Green bell pepper
(chopped)
1 medium pepper(s)
Red bell pepper
(chopped)
1/2 medium
Red onion
(chopped)
1/2 pepper(s)
Red chili pepper (also chile or chilli)
(seeded & finely chopped)
1/2 cup
Lime juice (fresh)
(for dressing)
1 tbsp unpacked
Brown sugar
(for dressing, or coconut sugar)
1 tsp
Red wine vinegar
(for dressing)
1 tsp
Cumin
(for dressing)
1/4 tsp
Chili powder
(for dressing)
2 clove(s)
Garlic
(minced, for dressing)
1/4 cup
Extra virgin olive oil
(for dressing)
1 tsp
Hot sauce
(for dressing; optional)
Instructions
Preheat a grill on high for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high and grill the corn, with the cover closed and turning occasionally, until some kernels are black for about 12 minutes. Remove and allow the corn to cool slightly.
Using a sharp knife, cut off the kernels into a very large, deep, serving bowl. Hold the narrow end of the cob, point the other end into the bowl, and cut downward, so that flying kernels are trapped by the bowl.
Add black beans, chickpeas, cilantro, green and red bell pepper, onion, and chile pepper. Toss to combine.
In a glass measuring cup or mason jar, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and olive oil to make the dressing. Season to taste with hot sauce.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to thoroughly coat. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, toss again and serve.
Notes:
Quick Tips
Time saver: use canned corn instead of grilling whole corn cobs. Add to a frying pan with some oil and brown slightly before adding to the salad.
The salad can be made in advance and stored covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Highlights
Cilantro is an amazing herb that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Black Beans are high in fiber which may help to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease. Beans also help in blood sugar management.
