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Sweet and Smoky Bean and Corn Salsa

Open a few cans, stir in some flavor-giving powerhouses (lime juice! Smoked paprika! honey!) and gather the crew—it’s time to dig into this healthy, delicious black bean and corn salsa!

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bean and corn salsa with cilantro and green onions

An Easy, Healthy Dip That’s (Yes!) Also Delicious? Meet Our Black Bean and Corn Salsa!

We’re big snackers, which means we need healthy snacks to reach for whenever possible (because otherwise, well, things go south fast). This smoky, slightly sweet black bean and corn salsa always, always hits the spot. Healthy, totally vegan, and brimming with vegetables and legumes, it’s a wonderful dip to have around. It keeps really well in the fridge, and it’s always welcome at backyard barbecues because most people are glad to have a slightly healthy option on the table and because it’s not mayo-based (like so many other summer sides) it does just fine, even if it sits in the sun for a bit. In case you’re not already sold, this bean corn salsa is also dead easy—open a few cans, do a little chopping and you’re done. By the way! We’re using the word “salsa” here because it really just means “sauce” or “condiment”—there are no tomatoes in this particular salsa.

black beans, garbanzo beans and corn in bowls next to limes, cilantro and poblano pepper

Everything You’ll Need to Make This Black Bean and Corn Salsa

A little sweet, a little savory and a bit chutney-like, this black bean corn salsa recipe is such a great one to have handy. It’s a great one for parties—whether you’re a guest or the host—when you’re not sure of everyone’s dietary needs because it’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, meat-free and delicious! Even if you don’t know every last person’s dietary restrictions or preferences, chances are most people can eat it. Plus, though it is full of spices and flavor, it’s not spicy! The sweet corn plus a hint of honey in the dressing make it downright kid-friendly. Here’s everything you’ll need to make our easy bean and corn salsa:

  • Canned sweet corn

  • Canned black beans

  • Canned chickpeas

  • Cilantro

  • Scallions

  • Poblano pepper

  • Honey

  • Limes

  • Olive oil

  • Spices: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika.

bean dip in a bowl with corn, lime and smoked paprika

How to Make Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Once you’ve glanced through the ingredients, we bet you could almost just wing it! That’s how truly easy it is to make corn and bean salsa. But just in case, and because it’s our job to give you all the ins and outs of the recipe, here’s how to make it:

  1. Open all of the cans! Rinse and drain the beans and corn well.

  2. Dump the chickpeas, black beans and corn into a bowl.

  3. Stir in all of the remaining ingredients.

  4. Pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld for at least an hour (longer is fine, too!). It will get all tangy, sweet and smoky. When you just can’t wait any longer....

  5. Grab some chips and dig in!

black bean and corn salsa with cilantro in a bowl served with chips

Serve Your Bean and Corn Salsa With…

There are so many ways to enjoy this bean salsa recipe! Try serving it:

  • As a dip with your favorite tortilla chips

  • With a platter of veggies, to really double down on the healthiness factor!

  • As a condiment, spooned over simply grilled fish or chicken.

More Salsa & Dip Recipes to Try

black bean and corn salsa with cilantro in a bowl served with chips
black bean and corn salsa with cilantro in a bowl served with chips

Sending A Tortilla Chip ‘Cheers’, From Our Snack Table To Yours!

Try this easy black bean salsa recipe, and let us know how you like it, OK? Share a photo and tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper so that we can see your stuff! Happy eating!

Sweet and Smoky Bean and Corn Salsa

  • Serves: 6
  • Prep Time:  15 min
  • Cook Time:  0 min
  • Calories: 210

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweet corn, drained
  • 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained, and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup minced green onions, white and green parts
  • 1 poblano pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp spanish or smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method

  1. In a medium sized bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or longer) before serving. Serve alongside corn chips.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories210
  • Protein8 g
  • Carbohydrates30 g
  • Total Fat7 g
  • Dietary Fiber10 g
  • Cholesterol0 mg
  • sodium355 mg
  • Total Sugars7 g

Sweet and Smoky Bean and Corn Salsa

Questions & Reviews

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  • Lorraine Thoroughgood

    How many days ahead of serving can this salsa be made. Will it ‘keep’ after serving?

    SHould be good for 4-5 days in the fridge.

  • Lorraine Thoroughgood

    This actually sounds delicious and easy to assemble. Can’t wait to share with my family and friends Thank you!!

    Thanks Lorraine!

  • Jenn

    This salsa is so delicious! I like to make a batch and eat is as snacks throughout the week!

    Thanks Jenn, glad you liked it!