Mexican Street Corn Salad With Black Beans
If you're looking for a new twist on a classic dish, try this delicious Mexican street corn salad with black beans. This recipe is perfect for those who love the flavors of Mexican cuisine, but want something a little different than traditional tacos or enchiladas. With fresh ingredients like sweet corn, black beans, and creamy cheese, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
But before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the origins of street corn in Mexico. The dish is called elote, which is Spanish for "corn on the cob." It's a popular street food in Mexico, often served on a stick and slathered with butter, mayonnaise, and cheese. While the dish is delicious on its own, it's also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of other dishes, like this salad.
Ingredients
To make this salad, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
Make sure to source your ingredients from a local farmer's market for the freshest possible produce.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started on this delicious recipe:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the corn with olive oil and grill until lightly charred, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes total. Let cool.
- Once the corn has cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the black beans, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, and cilantro to the bowl with the corn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese on top of the salad and serve.
For an added twist, dice a ripe avocado and mix it into the salad before serving.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to try with this recipe:
- For a spicier salad, leave the seeds in the jalapeno pepper.
- Try using different types of cheese, like queso fresco or feta, instead of cotija cheese.
- Serve the salad over a bed of lettuce or arugula for a more filling meal.
- Make the salad ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
This Mexican street corn salad with black beans is a delicious twist on a classic dish. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it's sure to become a new favorite in your household. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate some Mexican cuisine into your weekly meal plan without relying on the same old tacos and enchiladas. So next time you're looking for a fresh and flavorful dish, give this recipe a try!