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Delicious black bean salsa is an easy recipe with corn, tomatoes, peppers, red onions, lime juice and fresh cilantro. A delicious Mexican party appetizer that everyone loves!

Black bean salsa in white bowl.
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My Favorite Flavorful Dip

I can’t wait to share this black bean and corn salsa recipe with you today featuring all of my favorite ingredients. It’s so easy to whip up and is such a yummy healthy snack!

My husband is not a huge guacamole fan (or avocado fan for that matter, more avocado salsa for me!), but he LOVES this black bean salsa. It’s the perfect party food served along with jalapeño poppers!

Enjoy this as an appetizer with your favorite tortilla chips or add on top of Mexican salad or BBQ chicken tacos. It’s chunky, flavor filled and tastes great over any of your favorite Mexican dishes. It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd and everyone will love it!

Black bean salsa ingredients in white bowl.

Ingredients

  • Corn: For this recipe you can used canned or frozen corn. If frozen, you’ll want to thaw and then make sure to drain very well. I love using the roasted frozen corn in my dip.
  • Black beans: The beans add a delicious flavor and plenty of fiber to this dip. Feel free to mix it up and add additional beans if you’d like (garbanzo beans taste great).
  • Tomatoes: I love using fresh garden tomatoes. You can use any type of tomatoes you have for this dip.
  • Red pepper: The red pepper adds a little crunch and the perfect flavor. You could also substitute with orange or yellow bell pepper.
  • Limes: The lime juice adds a little tartness and brings all the flavors together. You could sub with lemon if that’s all you have on hand.
  • Onion: I love using red onion for the color, but you could also use a sweet onion or omit completely if desired.
  • Salt: The salt makes the flavors really shine. Add salt and pepper to taste at the end.
  • Cilantro: The cilantro adds the perfect touch to this dip. Don’t skimp and make sure to use fresh cilantro.

Variations

  • Feel free to add in some diced jalapeno to make it spicy. You can also add in a dash of cumin or chili powder for more flavor.
  • Diced avocado also makes a delicious addition to this salsa.
  • Instead of using canned corn, try grilling your corn for a nice char.
  • Add in black eyed peas and a simple vinaigrette to turn into a cowboy caviar.
  • Add in some creamy ingredients like sour cream or mayo and you have a version of Mexican corn salad.
  • Make it more like a meal by adding leftovers of my cilantro lime rice recipe and transform it into a cold version of rice and black beans!
  • To cut the acidity, add a teaspoon of sugar to sweeten it up a little.

How to Make Black Bean Salsa

Step by step photo collage showing how to make black bean salsa.
  • Prep: Chop all of your ingredients and rinse and drain beans. Allow the produce to dry. Use a paper towel if needed to absorb any extra liquis.
  • Combine: In a medium sized bowl combine corn, beans, bell peppers and onion. Drain excess juice from tomatoes and then add to the bowl. Add the fresh cilantro. Stir gently to combine.
  • Taste and adjust: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and gently stir. Add more lime juice, salt and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of sugar if you’d like to cut the acidity or add a sprinkle or cumin for a little more spice.
  • Serve: Gently stir and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips or add to a Mexican dish!

Expert Tips

  • Evenly sized veggies: Chopping your ingredients into uniform sized pieces makes it easier to get a little bit in each bite!
  • Avoid using the food processor: Chopping and mixing your ingredients by hand avoid your ingredients turning to soupy.
  • Make the night before: This will allow all the flavors to meld together for the best dip.
  • If adding avocado: If you would like to add some creamy avocado, do so right before serving or it will turn brown.
Black bean salsa in white bowl.

Ways to Enjoy Black Bean Salsa

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily make it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble as directed, then store in the fridge in a covered container. Make sure to give it a big stir before serving so that the flavors and juices are blended together.

How long does black bean salsa last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in a covered container in fridge for up to 3 days.

What is the nutrition in black bean salsa?

For your convenience all nutritional information is located at the bottom of the recipe card below. This dip is low calorie, low fat and higher in protein than most party snacks.

Dipping chip in black bean salsa.

Love easy Mexican recipes? Try this shrimp ceviche, bean dip with cream cheese, avocado salsa or seven layer dip, they are all easy crowd pleasers!

More Dip Recipes

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black bean salsa in white bowl

Black Bean Salsa

5 from 9 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Delicious black bean salsa an easy recipe with corn, tomatoes, peppers, red onions, lime juice and fresh cilantro. A delicious Mexican party appetizer that everyone loves!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Video

Ingredients 

  • 15 ounce can black beans , drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn , drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper , chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes , diced
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt , more to taste
  • 2 limes , juiced

Optional: Diced avocado, chopped jalepenos

    Instructions

    • Prep all of your ingredients. Allow the extra juices to drain and the produce to dry before mixing in bowl. Use a paper towel if needed to dry the ingredients.
    • Combine the corn, beans, bell pepper and onion into a medium sized bowl. Remove excess juice from tomatoes and then add to the bowl. Add the fresh cilantro. Stir gently to combine.
    • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and gently stir. Add more lime juice, salt and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of sugar if you'd like to cut the acidity or add a sprinkle or cumin for a little more spice.
    • Gently stir and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips or add to a Mexican dish!

    Notes

    Make ahead: This can be made 24 hours in advance. It will stay fresh up to 3 days in a covered container in the refrigerator.
    Make it a meal: Add to a salad or grab a wheat tortilla, some chicken and put a few spoonful’s of salsa in, then roll it up. This makes a quick and easy lunch!
    Variations: This salsa is easy to customize. Add in more beans (garbanzo are a great addition), avocado, jalapeno or more bell peppers. If you prefer it a little sweeter, add a teaspoon of sugar. Or use grilled corn for even more flavor. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine: Mexican

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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