This Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salsa brings together some amazing flavors that make it the perfect dip for a summer backyard party! This super versatile dip can also be used to top tacos and nachos or served as a side dish with just about anything you'd grill for a summer party.
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It's summer and it's grilling season. Who else just loves grilling in the summer! Cooking outside keeps the kitchen cool and provides an excuse to sit out on the patio and enjoy a glass of wine while things are cooking on the grill. To me summer, corn and grilling just go together.
And grilling the corn gives it a rich, smoky flavor that makes this salsa super flavorful. So let's fire up the grill and whip up some of this delicious grilled corn & black bean salsa to give you the perfect dip for all of your summer picnics and parties!
Contents:
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet corn: You want fresh corn on the cob. Ideally from the farmer's market or a farm stand if you have one in your area.
- Black beans: I generally use canned black beans as I find them easier than using dried beans.
- Red onion: I prefer to use red onion when I'm not cooking it as it has a mellower flavor than yellow onion.
- Roma tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are really versatile, which makes them perfect for this recipe but you can use any type you like. It's a great way to use up some of the end-of-summer tomatoes from your garden.
Tips for making corn salsa
The actual hands-on time for this recipe is only about 20 minutes, which makes it ideal for just about any occasion.
- Prepare the corn. I like to remove the husks first so you get the nice char from the grill directly on the corn kernels. Once you do that, just brush the corn cobs with a little oil and place them on the grill to cook. How charred you make the corn is really up to you. You can cook the corn until it just starts to brown or you can let it go a little longer and get a nice smoky char on it, letting a few kernels start to turn almost black. I prefer the latter as it gives the salsa a great flavor!!
- Remove the corn from the cobs. You'll want to let the corn cool for about 10 minutes or until you can handle it. You can remove the kernels by using a sharp knife or with a corn removal tool.
- Make the salsa. Add the corn kernels to a large mixing bowl and then add the other ingredients. Stir to incorporate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Adding corn to the more traditional flavors of black bean salsa gives you a great blend of taste and texture in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Stripping corn off the cob can be easily done with a sharp knife but if you make corn salsa, or other dishes using corn kernels frequently, I recommend getting an OXO Good Grips corn peeler. For less than $10 it makes the task of removing corn from the cob so much easier!
Serving Suggestions
You can eat this salsa on its own as a snack or you can make it part of a party menu!
If you are making it part of your party menu, I'd recommend also serving these Pulled Pork Sliders, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, and this No-Churn Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
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Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 ears corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 2 small plum tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the grill. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 425°
- Grill the corn. Brush the corn with 1 tablespoon oil, reserving the remaining oil for mixing into the salsa. Place the corn on the preheated grill and cook for 5 minutes, or until a slight char starts to appear. Continue cooking for 15 minutes, turning after 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the kernels. Remove the corn from the grill and let cool slightly. Using a sharp knife or corn stripper remove the corn from the cobs and place in a medium mixing bowl.
- Make the salsa. Add the remaining ingredients, including 1 tablespoon reserved olive oil, to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in July 2017. It was updated in August 2024 with some new information. No changes were made to the original recipe.
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
I'm all about fresh grilled corn lately, so this recipe looks delicious!
Analida Braeger
I love these dishes with all fresh ingredients and they are so healthy too! ( So you can eat more, right?)
I need to make this for my next tapas party!
FoodieGirlChicago
Analida - Of course you can eat more! 🙂 That's my favorite part about recipes like this!
Gunjan
This grilled corn salsa definitely looks delicious and to absolutely desirable. I love corns and I am trying this recipe over the weekend.
Melissa
I've had this recipe a few times and it's so amazing! The grilled flavor from the corn takes the flavor of this dish to a whole new level.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I could eat salsa until I'm blue in the face -- or until I'm full but with salsa, I can always take one more dip. Your combination of ingredients sounds perfect. And corn is so much better when it's grilled!! Will have to make this before all the fresh corn is gone.
Cheryl
This looks so yummy. I would make a meal out of this and put it over rice.
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
I love salsa! And adding grilled items always brings out the flavors. Bonus points for the gorgeous colors here!!
Sasha @ Eat Love Eat
Yum! This looks and sounds delicious! I love the combination of corn and black beans, so good!
Kim @ Three Olives Branch
This looks wonderful, so fresh and simple. I would love to use this on so many things if there is any left over from snacking!
Monica | Nourish & Fete
This just sounds so fresh and delicious! I may have to fire up the grill one more time just to make this happen!
Christine
This truly IS the perfect summer party dip! Always love grilled corn and black beans. This looks so delicious!
Donna
Oh I could smell everyone grilling this evening, and I was so jealous. The hubby is away and I am not touching that thing without him here, so grilling will have to wait until next weekend 🙂 Love the sound of this dip, so easy and versatile, and just perfect for sharing with friends. Yum!!
Jodie Morgan
This is one of my favorite combos. So refreshing! Thanks for sharing!
Renee Gardner
What a yummy looking summer salsa!! So pretty!!