Ingredients:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can sweetcorn (whole kernel), drained, or 1 cup frozen, thawed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans (or kidney beans), rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, very finely diced
  • 1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), loosely packed, roughly chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper (optional), seeds and membrane removed, finely minced
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder (mild or medium)
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and drain the canned black beans, sweetcorn, and pinto beans thoroughly under cool running water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain completely. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Mince the jalapeño (if using).
  2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined, bright, and punchy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  3. Assemble and Dress the Salad: In the large mixing bowl, gently combine the rinsed and drained beans, corn, diced bell peppers, red onion, and minced jalapeño. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Gently fold the ingredients using a large spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Fold in the chopped fresh coriander (cilantro).
  4. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or ideally 2-3 hours, to allow the complex flavors to penetrate the beans and vegetables. Just before serving, stir gently, taste again, and add a final pinch of salt or a squeeze of fresh lime juice if needed.