Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts

Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad that dances with flavor is your new summer sidekick. Tired of boring salads? This one’s bursting with freshness and zing, making it better than takeout and a crowd-pleaser at cookouts. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the perfect balance of cilantro and lime. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Cocktail Recipe and Indulge in Creamy Morel Mushroom Pasta Bliss at Home.

What You'll Need for Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 3 limes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Optional: Diced avocado
• Optional: Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
• Optional: Sliced green onions
• Optional: Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

How to Make Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts

1. Combine beans and corn: In a large bowl, combine drained and rinsed black beans and corn.
2. Add vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and chopped jalapeño to the bowl.
3. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss with dressing: Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss to combine.
5. Add cilantro: Stir in chopped cilantro.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Serve chilled, topped with desired toppings.

Storing & Reheating Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Freezing Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts

Not recommended for freezing.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a creamier salad, add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
• Best substitution: Substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Add toppings just before serving.
• Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
• Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more olive oil or lime juice.

Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts

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Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

0 mins

⏳

Total

45 mins

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasonings

• Juice of 3 limes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Diced avocado
• Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
• Sliced green onions
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Combine beans and corn: In a large bowl, combine drained and rinsed black beans and corn.
2. Add vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and chopped jalapeño to the bowl.
3. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss with dressing: Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss to combine.
5. Add cilantro: Stir in chopped cilantro.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Serve chilled, topped with desired toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a creamier salad, add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
• Best substitution: Substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Add toppings just before serving.
• Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
• Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more olive oil or lime juice.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
• Oven reheat: Not applicable.
• Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
• Make ahead: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sat. Fat: 1.5g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Best Marinated Cilantro Lime Bean Salad for Summer Cookouts and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!