Couscous Corn and Black Bean Salad
Bright, fresh, and incredibly satisfying, this Couscous Corn and Black Bean Salad is a vibrant fusion of wholesome ingredients perfect for any occasion. Tender couscous serves as the base, absorbing the zesty lime-based dressing infused with warm spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Sweet bursts of corn, creamy black beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber combine with the smoky undertone of red bell peppers and a hint of fresh cilantro for an irresistible medley of flavors and textures. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a light lunch, hearty side dish, or crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. Customize with optional feta cheese for a tangy twist, and enjoy it immediately or chilled for deeper flavor integration. This colorful, nutrient-packed salad is a must-try for fans of easy plant-forward meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, rinsed, and drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup optional: feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Remove from heat, add the couscous, stir, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and set it aside to cool to room temperature.
In a large salad bowl, combine the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled couscous to the salad bowl with the vegetables and beans.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
309 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.3 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 844 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.1 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 12.1 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 193 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 562 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
