Zippy Black Bean Salsa Recipe – A Flavorful Southwestern Treat
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Yield: 3 cups (Serves 12)
This zesty and vibrant Zippy Black Bean Salsa is a wonderful addition to any meal. Packed with protein-rich black beans, sweet corn, fresh cilantro, and a smoky chipotle kick, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or topping off tacos, tostadas, or even grilled meats. This salsa is also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Roasting the red pepper enhances its sweetness and adds an irresistible depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
If you love a blend of spicy, smoky, and slightly tangy, this salsa will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Let’s dive into making this mouthwatering treat!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black beans (drained and rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Red bell pepper | 1 whole |
| Frozen corn | 3/4 cup |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Chipotle chile in adobo sauce | 1 whole pepper |
| Salsa | 2/3 cup |
| Ground cumin | 1/4 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1/12 of recipe)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 53.5 kcal |
| Fat | 0.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 111.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.2 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Instructions
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Roast the Red Pepper
To begin, preheat your broiler. Place the whole red bell pepper on a baking sheet and position it under the broiler. Turn the pepper occasionally as it roasts until the skin is charred on all sides, which should take about 5-8 minutes. Once the pepper is well-charred, transfer it to a sealed plastic bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let it steam for about 10 minutes to loosen the skin. -
Peel and Dice the Roasted Pepper
After the red pepper has steamed, remove it from the bag and peel away the blackened skin under a small stream of running tap water. Cut off the stem and remove the seeds. Then, dice the roasted pepper into small pieces and set it aside. -
Combine the Salsa Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, diced roasted red pepper, frozen corn, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Toss everything together gently, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. -
Prepare the Chipotle Salsa Mixture
Mince the chipotle chile in adobo sauce until it forms a smooth puree. Add this to the salsa along with the cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to incorporate the chipotle mixture into the bean and vegetable base. -
Refrigerate to Let Flavors Meld
For the best flavor, cover the salsa and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows all the ingredients to marry together, creating a more harmonious and flavorful salsa. -
Serve and Enjoy
After the salsa has chilled and the flavors have had time to develop, serve it at room temperature. Enjoy this versatile dish as a dip for tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a garnish for soups.
Tips for Perfecting Zippy Black Bean Salsa
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Adjusting Spice Level: The chipotle pepper adds a smoky and spicy kick to the salsa. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to use half of the chipotle pepper or omit it altogether. You can also substitute it with a mild chili powder or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
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Make it Fresher: For an even fresher taste, swap out the frozen corn for fresh corn kernels, if available. You can also grill the corn for extra flavor.
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Add More Crunch: If you enjoy extra texture in your salsa, consider adding some finely chopped red onion or bell peppers for an additional crunch.
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Serving Suggestions: This salsa pairs wonderfully with any southwestern or Mexican-themed dish. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish, or pile it onto a fresh bed of lettuce for a light and nutritious salad.
Why You’ll Love This Salsa
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Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salsa is ready to go, making it the perfect option when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy something flavorful.
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Packed with Nutrients: Not only is this salsa full of flavor, but it’s also loaded with fiber and protein from the black beans and corn, making it a healthy snack or side dish that won’t derail your eating habits.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or looking for a fun topping for your tacos, this salsa fits the bill. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor.
Try this recipe today and add a bold southwestern twist to your next meal. Your taste buds will thank you!
