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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:

  • ยผ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ยผ cup white wine vinegar
  • ยฝ 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. jalapeรฑo 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
  • ยผ cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2-3 avocados, cubed
  • ยฝ 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 donโ€™t have it on hand, we like to make our own by mixing ยผ cup olive oil, ยผ cup white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon sugar, ยฝ 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 Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ 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. Amy Huntley says:

    5 stars
    This Salsa is one of my favorites!

  2. becca says:

    5 stars
    Love the flavor!! And it comes together so quickly too.

  3. Adele Etherton says:

    5 stars
    I am very confused on your Calories and serving on most of your recipes. If you can explain one, I am sure I can figure the logic out. Love your recipe though! Thanks for sharing.

  4. Jan says:

    I’m so happy to find your site! Can’t wait to try your Mexican dishes! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I can’t wait for you to try them! I hope you like the ones you try ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you & I am glad you found my site ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Mary says:

    I make something a lot like your salsa as an entree., just with a higher proportion of black beans. Definitely handy to have healthy recipes like this that come together quickly with a combo of fresh ingredients and pantry items like the black beans and corn.

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      So true!! This salsa is just so good too!! Gotta love it. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Kelly Senyei says:

    Thanks so much for including my Guacamole Bruschetta! All of these recipes look fantastic!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      That Bruschetta looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it out! Have a great day. ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Mrs. Delightful says:

    Everything looks so yummy! I have a Avocado at home that would be perfect with one of these recipes.

    Mrs. Delightful recently posted: My Memories Giveaway

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      I definitely LOVE avocados. This post is seriously making me drool! LOL!

  8. Leigh Ann says:

    Thank you for the recipes! I grabbed the button for my blog!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      Thanks, Leigh Ann!! Let me know if you try it. It is seriously so delish – don’t know if I’ll be able to go back to regular salsa after having it. ๐Ÿ™‚