Mango Corn And Black Bean Salad: Our Recipe

When summer comes around, you probably spend hours looking for the perfect dish to enjoy on those summer evenings. If this sounds like you, then you’re in luck! 

This mango corn and black bean salad is one of the best salads you could hope for – and it doesn’t go soggy! 

Not only are the flavors in this dish a real delight, but it’s so easy to make, too. 

Let’s dive in and learn how to make it.

Why We Think You Will Love This Recipe

There are lots of reasons why you will love this recipe – here are all the main reasons why you will love this recipe as much as we do:

• No lettuce – not every salad needs lettuce, right? Lettuce inevitably goes soggy and unpleasant after a while, so salads without it tend to last longer, which is what makes this one so great. 
• Anyone can make it – you don’t need any special skills to make this tasty dish. In fact, it’s so easy that you should definitely get your kids involved in the process so that they can learn.
• Ready in 20 minutes – looking for a weekday dish that you can have ready in no time? This is the one for you! In less than 20 minutes, you can have a great meal ready for dinner, no matter what day it is.
• It goes with anything – whether you want a side of chicken, fish, beef, tofu, or anything else, this dish is going to go with it perfectly. The differences in texture are phenomenal, and the flavors work together like a dream.
• Vegan and gluten-free – this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it is suitable for anyone! There are lots of variations you can try if you do not need to follow any specific dietary requirements. 
• Perfect for making ahead of time – this dish can be made hours ahead of time, or even a day or two if you need it to be! That means you don’t have to rush to get everything done at the last minute. 

What Ingredients Are You Going to Need For This Mango, Corn And Black Bean Salad

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you need to make this mango corn and black bean salad:

• 1 ½ cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen; if using frozen, thaw before use)
• 1 ½ cups black beans (equivalent to 1 can, rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1 large mango, diced
• 1 medium lime, juiced (yields about 2 tablespoons of juice)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (zest from the same lime you juiced)
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (adjust based on spice preference)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup (or maple syrup for a sweeter dressing)

Mango Corn And Black Bean Salad – Step-by-Step Instructions

Next, let’s walk you through the process of creating this delicious dish at home:

1. Heat up a grill or pan to medium-high heat.
2. Start grilling your unhusked corn! Be sure to turn them frequently, as they can burn very quickly if you leave them unattended. You want them to be a little charred, but not burnt. This should take anywhere between 8–10 minutes. 
3. While the corn is grilling, you can prepare all your other ingredients. Chop your mango, tomatoes, and avocado however you like, and put everything in a bowl. 
4. Get your beans out of the can and rinse them, then add them to the bowl with everything else. 
5. Remove the corn from the girl and chop the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. Transfer the kernels into a large bowl to be used. 
6. Gently mix everything together. 
7. To make your dressing, simply add all the dressing ingredients to a jug or bowl and stir! Make sure your jalapeno is finely minced (if you are using one), and mix everything until you have a homogeneous mixture. 
8. Now, pour your vinaigrette over your salad and mix everything together well! You can chill everything in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor, or you can enjoy it immediately. 

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Mango Corn And Black Bean Salad

This recipe is simple, and there isn’t a lot that can go wrong. However, there are one or two tips we’ve picked up along the way that are worth sharing:

Unhusk the Corn Before Grilling

For the best results, you should unhusk your corn before grilling it. 

This might be down to preference, but unhusking your corn will result in a more even cook. Not to mention, removing the husk just makes your corn easier to work with!

Skip the Jalapeño if You Don’t Like Spice

Skipping the jalapenos in this recipe is easy enough if you are not a fan of spice. However, if you are a fan of the spice, you could also go for a hotter pepper! 

Just be careful with how much you actually add to your dish because it’s easy for things to get out of hand. 

Take it slow and taste the vinaigrette to see if you would like to add more heat before diving in head first. 

What Variations Can You Try?

The great thing about this recipe is how flexible it is—you can customize it to suit your taste! Its versatility makes it easy to pair with a variety of flavors and ingredients. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few ideas to try. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite twist!

Try Peaches or Pineapple Instead of Mango

If you don’t like mango or there were none at the store, don’t worry! There are alternatives that you can try out and possibly love even more. 

Options like pineapples and peaches will work wonderfully with a recipe like this. Not only are these fruits packed full of delightful flavors and nutrients, but the texture works perfectly for the rest of the dish. 

As long as the fruit you use is juicy and has a great flavor, the recipe will work out. Just make sure that any fruit you do use is ripe, or else you could be ruining a perfectly good dish with sour, hard fruit chunks!

Substitute Black Beans for White or Kidney Beans

If you are not a big fan of black beans, there are alternatives that you could try. 

White beans are often used as a substitute for black beans and will offer you a delightfully creamy salad that you definitely will not be able to get enough of. 

Kidney beans have a stronger flavor compared to black beans, but they still work very well as a replacement if you need or prefer them. 

Add Nuts or Seeds

Nuts and seeds are not only delicious but also full of delightful goodness. There are plenty of vitamins and minerals in these, but the exact numbers will depend on the type of seed or nuts you choose to go with. 

Sunflower seeds would be a great choice for a dish like this, and you could chop up walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. 

What Can You Serve With Mango Corn And Black Bean Salad?

This vibrant and versatile salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, whether you’re serving it as the star of your meal or a flavorful side. There are so many delicious options to explore that complement its bright, fresh flavors perfectly.

Here are some of our favorite vegan-friendly pairings to enjoy alongside this mango, corn, and black bean salad:

• Grilled Tofu: Marinated in a tangy lime and chili dressing for a smoky, zesty kick.
• Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant seasoned with garlic and cumin.
• Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up the salad as a light snack or appetizer.
• Soft Tacos: Use the salad as a filling, paired with refried beans or guacamole.
• Vegan Fajitas: Serve alongside sizzling peppers, onions, and plant-based proteins.
• Coconut Rice: The creamy sweetness of coconut pairs beautifully with the salad’s tangy lime dressing.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves to create refreshing wraps.
• Vegan Nachos: Top tortilla chips with vegan cheese, jalapeños, and this salad for a fresh and crunchy topping.

These vegan sides will bring out the best in your mango, corn, and black bean salad while keeping the meal wholesome and plant-based. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite combinations!

Storage and Refrigeration Tips

Once leftovers have cooled down to room temperature (this shouldn’t take long), all you need to do is transfer it to an airtight container and put it in the fridge! 

Your leftovers should last for up to five days if they are in an appropriate container at the right temperature. 

This dish can (and should) be enjoyed cold, so when you feel like finishing your leftovers, just dish some out or enjoy it straight from the container. No one is judging. 

We would not recommend freezing this dish due to ingredients like avocado and tomatoes. 

Final Thoughts

Doesn’t this recipe sound absolutely delicious? If you’ve been looking for a refreshing, easy-to-make salad, your search is over!

This versatile dish shines on its own, as a vibrant filling for tacos or fajitas or paired with a side of perfectly grilled tofu.