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Fresh and chunky black bean corn salsa {aka Cowboy Caviar} is a favorite dip to serve with tortilla chips!

Homemade Salsa and Tortilla Chips are classic, but this black bean corn salsa is a flavorful favorite.

Black Bean Corn Salsa served in a black bowl.
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We Love Chunky Salsa!

We eat a LOT of Mexican food at our house, and Fresh Salsa and Tortilla Chips almost always make an appearance. There are several fabulous salsas and dips on our site, and this black bean corn salsa is top-requested!

Serve it as an appetizer with Baked Tortilla Chips, or top your favorite Mexican dinners from Burrito Bowls to salads to our famous Cheese Enchiladas.

Why we love it:

  • Zesty kick. The addition of Italian dressing and lime juice gives this salsa a tangy and refreshing twist, setting it apart from traditional salsas.
  • Chunky. It’s more hearty than a traditional salsa, making it a filling Mexican appetizer or Mexican side dish.
  • Always time for salsa. From a Cinco de Mayo fiesta to a backyard BBQ, enjoy this salsa anytime, anyplace!
  • Just dump and enjoy! Just mix and you’re ready for dipping in only 10 minutes.
Avocados and cilantro on a wooden cutting board.

A Few Ingredients

  • black beans 
  • corn  or use frozen corn kernels, thawed and drained, or fresh corn cut off the cob. If desired, blanch and grill, or roast it first.
  • Roma tomatoes 
  • fresh cilantro 
  • Italian dressing
  • lime juice – fresh or from a bottle
  • avocados 
  • garlic salt
  • black pepper 

Italian Dressing Substitute

To make your own dressing, mix the following:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • pepper
Black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado in a white bowl.

Just Mix and Dip!

  1. MIX. Combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro in a medium bowl. Add dressing and lime juice. Stir in avocados and add garlic salt and pepper right before serving.

Recipe Tips

  • Variations. 
    • More veggies. diced red onion, green or red bell peppers
    • Protein. up to 1 cup of diced chicken or shrimp, a few bacon bits, or a sprinkling of cotija cheese
    • Add spice. jalapeño or hot sauce
  • Make ahead of time. We prefer to eat it immediately. If you do make it ahead, add the avocados, cilantro, and dressing right before serving for best results.
  • STORE. Store this black bean and corn salsa recipe in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once avocados turn brown and start oxidizing, the salsa is no longer good.
Black Bean Corn Salsa Recipe in a black bowl close up image.

For More Mexican Dips and Chips:

5 from 21 votes

Black Bean Corn Salsa

By: Lil’ Luna
Fresh and chunky black bean corn salsa {aka Cowboy Caviar} is a favorite dip to serve with tortilla chips!
Servings: 16
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can corn, drained
  • 6-8 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2-3 avocados, cubed
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro in a medium bowl.
  • Add dressing and lime juice.
  • Stir in avocados and add garlic salt and pepper right before serving.

Video

Notes

No Italian dressing? When we don’t have it on hand, we like to make our own by mixing ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, and a dash of pepper.
Make ahead of time. We prefer to eat it immediately. If you do make it ahead, add the avocados, cilantro, and dressing right before serving for best results.
STORE. Store black bean and corn salsa in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once avocados turn brown and start oxidizing, the salsa is no longer good.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 54kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Sodium: 112mg, Potassium: 183mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 241IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 6mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 21 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




33 Comments

  1. Maria Rafael says:

    5 stars
    This is one of my favorite go-to simple salads. I love the black beans and the avocado and corn. I sometimes make mine extra spicy and add serranos, diced.

  2. Natasha says:

    5 stars
    We loved this black bean corn salsa recipe with our tortilla chips! This is our new favorite appetizer and this is going to be on repeat for sure!

  3. Sha says:

    5 stars
    This is packed with flavors! So easy yet it turned out so delicious and pleasing! Certified crowd-pleaser!

  4. Shana Y says:

    5 stars
    This is now my go-to appetizer to bring to parties and gatherings. Everyone loves it! It was the first to go at book club last night.

  5. Samantha Arntsen says:

    This is one of my go to recipes to bring to BBQ’s. So good!