Ensalada de Frijol, Elote y Pico de Gallo (Pot Bean, Sweetcorn and Tomato Salad)
Chilled pinto beans tossed with sweetcorn, fresh pico de gallo, avocado and lime, a bright make ahead salad for tacos or the barbecue.
Made with Fresh pico de gallo and Frijoles de la olla (pot beans). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.93 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Make sure the pot beans (see the base recipe) are fully cooled. Drain them in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water, then drain again.
- 2
Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, cumin and salt in a large bowl.
- 3
Add the beans, sweetcorn and your ready made pico de gallo (see the base recipe) and toss gently.
- 4
Fold in most of the coriander and the avocado. Taste and add more lime or salt.
- 5
Chill for 15 minutes so the flavours mingle.
15 min - 6
Serve on a bed of shredded lettuce with the remaining coriander on top.
Tips
- Drain the beans well, otherwise the salad becomes watery.
- Add the avocado at the last minute to stop it browning, or toss it in lime juice first.
- Serve it as a side with grilled chicken, spoon it into tacos or pile it on tostadas.
Storing and freezing
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days without the avocado. Do not freeze. Add fresh avocado and coriander just before serving.
Questions
Can I use tinned beans?
Yes. Use two 400 g tins of pinto beans, drained and rinsed. The flavour is milder than beans cooked from dried, but the salad still works well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Mix everything except the avocado up to a day ahead and chill. Add the avocado just before serving.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes. The beans, vegetables, avocado, lime and olive oil are all plant based and gluten free.
More made with fresh pico de gallo
Atún Adobado a la Plancha (Seared Adobo Tuna Steaks)
GFDFEFAlambre de Pollo con Pimientos y Queso (Chicken Alambre on Tortillas)
EFNFEnsalada de Frijol Negro, Elote y Aguacate (Black Bean, Charred Corn and Avocado Salad)
GFDFEFTacos de Champiñones Asados (Grilled Mushroom Tacos)
DFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.