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This protein-rich Mexican Three Bean Salad is loaded with southwestern flavors. Quick, easy and the perfect make-ahead dish to serve when you have company, at parties or potlucks.
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4.58 from 54 reviews

Mexican Three Bean Salad

This Mexican Three Bean Salad is quick, easy and the perfect make-ahead bean salad to serve at dinner parties and potlucks. This protein-rich Three Bean Salad is loaded with Mexican flavors and always a favorite!
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword Mexican Three Bean Salad, Three Bean Salad Recipe
Prep Time 16 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 177kcal
Author Chef Kathy McDaniel

Ingredients

  • 1 12 ounces bag frozen corn or 2 to 3 ears of fresh corn
  • 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (I used light red)
  • 1 (15 ounces) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed (you can use canellini beans as well)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano chili, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1-2 avocado, chopped

For the Citrus Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder (or any other chili powder)
  • extra chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

TO PREPARE THE CORN

    METHOD #1: On a Cast Iron Skillet or Regular Skillet (frozen corn)

    • Heat a 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium hot heat. When hot, add the corn kernels in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir and cook until the corn is charred. You may have to repeat this process until all the corn is nicely charred.

    METHOD #2: On a grill (on the cob)

    • Shuck and clean the corn. You don't have to worry about removing every piece of silk as it will burn on the grill. 
      Heat your grill to medium hot. Place the corn directly on the grill. Grill turning occasionally for about 10 minutes or until charred and cooked through.

    METHOD #3

    • Defrost the corn and use it as is.

    To Make the Citrus Vinaigrette

    • In a small bowl whisk together the oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, pepper and chili powder and cilantro. 
      You can also put all the ingredients in a lidded jar and shake!

    Assemble the Salad

    • In a large bowl combine the corn, beans, bell pepper, onions and jalapeño (if using).
    • Pour the Vinaigrette over the beans and vegetables. Mix well to combine. 
      At this point, you can serve it (just fold in the chopped avocado gently), or you can refrigerate for a few hours. The flavors will develop as the salad sits. Just add the avocado before serving.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, if desired.

    Video

    Notes

    If making the salad ahead, do not add the avocado until you are ready to serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 877mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 575IU | Vitamin C: 25.7mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.4mg