South-of-the-Border Mexican Corn Salad with an Italian Twist

I don’t remember when I first made this recipe (years and years and years and years ago!), but every time I make Mexican Corn Salad, and I mean every time, people want the recipe! {grin}.  I’ve made it multiple times over the last several months in preparation for our Blog-o-versary Party and every time I share it with friends and family, they want the recipe.  I’ve been saying for the last several months that I would put the recipe for my Mexican Corn Salad on our blog, so, finally (ta da!), here it is.  Now.  Whew.

I think what makes this so good is the refreshing combination of all the fresh vegetables plus the black beans and corn.  I’ve made it with and without dressing (and sometimes with just a squeeze of lime) and each time it is a success.  So, it just depends on your taste buds.  Also, sometimes I add fresh avocados when they are in season, but if you do, any leftover salad will turn mushy in the refrigerator overnight.  So, best to eat it all up if you add avocados! {grin}.

Also, I’ve made it with kidney beans instead of black beans.  It depends on my “audience”.  One day I made it for my neighbor’s children and they told me they didn’t like black beans.  So, I substituted kidney beans.

And, I’ve made it without jalapeno.  I like the extra subtle “kick” the fresh jalapeno bring to this dish, but if you are afraid of the extra “kick”, just leave them out.

Plus, I never salt it (healthy tip!).  But, depending on your taste buds, you may require some salt and even pepper.  But, for me, it is salty enough because of the canned black beans and the salad dressing.

So, here’s what you do:

I use frozen corn.  But, you can use canned.  I don’t cook the corn, but let it drain in a colander (see picture above).  If you use canned corn, drain it.  Also, drain the black beans and rinse them.  Then, place them in a large mixing bowl.

Next, prepare your vegetables.  In the photo collage above:

1. Finely dice 1/2 of a red onion.
2. Pretty combination of red, orange and yellow peppers.  I buy a big bag of these at the grocery store, but you can use one large whole bell pepper in our choice of color!
3. Seed and chopped the bell peppers.
4. Wash 2 fresh jalapeno.
5. Seed and finely dice the jalapeno.  Be sure to not add ANY of the seeds to the salad, or you will be in for a real “jolt” of hot!
6. Wash about a pint of grape or cherry tomatoes.  I like to use a combination of both yellow and red, but you can use just one color.  Then, slice them in half lengthwise.
7. Wash a half bunch of cilantro.
8. Trim and rough chop the cilantro or pick it from the bunch removing the stems.  I learned this fast way to prepare cilantro and parsley with a knife by watching Ina Garten, from The Barefoot Contessa, on the Food Network.  Works really well!
9. As you are preparing all these veggies, add them to a large bowl.

Mix them all together.

Prepare your salad dressing.  Today, I used 2/3 of a cup of Newman’s Own Lite Italian but you can use your favorite oil and vinegar-type dressing or just fuhgetaboutit!  I also added a tablespoon of Mexican Herbs from the Temecula Olive Oil Company (no, this isn’t a “sponsored post”!) to add some more Mexican-type seasoning!  This blend has garlic, onions, chili flakes, cilantro, epazote, parsley, cumin and ginger.  If you don’t live near one of their stores (and probably 99.99% of you don’t!), you can order it online through them.

Now, cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerator for about 2 hours to let the flavors blend.  You could eat it right now, but it tastes even better cold!

Here’s the recipe:

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Do you have a favorite corn salad recipe?  Please share in the comments!

Tootles,

 

Related Posts:

(other Mexican recipes)

1. Charlie’s Layered Mexican Casserole
2. Charlie’s Lite Layered Mexican Casserole
3. Easy Homemade Salsa
4. GuacaMolly
5. Hot Mexican Corn Dip
6. Mexican Caesar Salad Dressing
7. Shrimp Soft Tacos

(other Blog-o-versary Party posts)

1. Cute and Easy Party Name Tags
2. Easy Party Favors Featuring You!
3. Easy and Creative Tabletop Signs for Your Next Party
4. How to Make Paper Napkins Special
5. Ideas for Reusing Old Picture Frames
6. Tea Light Tutorial:  Adding Edible Sprinkles for a Bit of Sparkle