Are you ready to transform your ordinary party spread into a flavor explosion? Lizzie's Black Bean Salsa is not just another side dish – it's a culinary adventure that will have your guests begging for the recipe! Bursting with vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and a tangy lime kick, this salsa is the perfect blend of simplicity and sensational taste that will elevate any meal from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly draining and rinsing the canned black beans under cold running water. This helps remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.
- Drain the corn completely, ensuring no excess liquid remains that could make the salsa watery.
- Wash the red bell pepper and red onion carefully under cool water. Using a sharp knife, dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size.
- Peel the red onion and dice it finely, creating small, consistent pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salsa.
- Rinse the fresh cilantro and pat dry with paper towels. Chop the cilantro leaves finely, discarding any tough stems.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion.
- Roll the lime on a hard surface to help release its juices, then cut and squeeze the entire lime over the ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the mixture, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring everything is well combined and evenly coated with lime juice.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced taste.
- Serve chilled as a side dish, dip, or topping for tacos, nachos, or grilled proteins.
Tips
- Drain and Rinse: Always thoroughly drain your beans and corn to prevent a watery salsa. Pat ingredients dry for the best texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and squeeze the lime juice just before mixing for maximum flavor intensity.
- Chill for Flavor: While optional, letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows the ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Customize Your Heat: Want to kick it up a notch? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to personalize the spice level.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile salsa isn't just a dip – use it as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or as a vibrant side for your Mexican-inspired meals.Pro tip: Make this salsa a day ahead for an even more developed flavor that will impress your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
