Ensalada de Frijol Negro y Elote con Lima (Black Bean and Sweetcorn Salad)
A bright, chunky salad of black beans, charred sweetcorn, avocado and tomato with a taco-spiced lime dressing.
Made with Pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas) and Mexican black beans and Taco seasoning mix. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.38 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
Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the sweetcorn and cook for 5 minutes without stirring too often until charred in places. Tip into a large bowl to cool.
5 min - 2
Whisk the remaining oil with the lime juice, taco seasoning mix and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- 3
Drain your ready made Mexican black beans (see the base recipe) well and add them to the sweetcorn along with the tomatoes, red pepper and your ready made pickled red onions (see the base recipe).
- 4
Pour over the dressing and toss gently. Leave for 10 minutes so the flavours soak in.
10 min - 5
Fold in the avocado and coriander just before serving. Taste and add more lime or salt as needed.
Tips
- Char the sweetcorn properly for sweetness and smoky flavour. Do not stir constantly.
- Drain the beans well so the dressing is not diluted.
- Add the avocado last so it stays in neat chunks and does not brown.
- Serve alongside grilled meat or in a wrap for a lunchbox.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days without the avocado. Add the avocado fresh. Does not freeze.
Questions
Is this salad vegan and gluten free?
Yes. Black beans, sweetcorn, vegetables, avocado, olive oil, lime and pure spices are all vegan and gluten free. Check the labels on any tinned products.
Can I use tinned black beans?
Yes. Drain and rinse 400 g of tinned beans and use them in place of the homemade beans. They are quicker but have less flavour.
Can I make it ahead for a picnic?
Yes, without the avocado. Make the salad up to a day ahead and add the avocado when you serve.
More made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Tostadas de Atún (Mexican Tuna Tostadas with Chipotle Mayo)
NFChicken Korma Wraps with Pickled Red Onions
DFEFNFPescado Asado al Achiote con Arroz Verde (Achiote Grilled Fish)
DFEFNFEnchiladas Verdes de Res (Green Beef Enchiladas)
EFNFSee every dish made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Double 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.