Black Bean and Fresh Corn Salad

by Linda Capeloto Sendowski on June 30, 2010

This time of year, farm markets have the new ears of corn fresh cut from the stocks, sometimes still warm from the sun. Encased in their crisp green husks with translucent thick strands of corn silk dangling out I buy as many ears as we can eat in just a couple of days. Not just for boiling for a few minutes and eating plain, corn makes great relishes, salads and is wonderful grilled directly on the barbecue in its husk with some flavoring like olive oil with herbs. This is one of my favorite salads, so easy and portable for picnics.

6 ears of corn

2 15 ounce cans of organic black beans

1 roasted red bell pepper, washed, seeded, cut into a small dice

3 green onions, washed and chopped finely including a little of the green

1 Anaheim chili, washed, seeded, and cut into a small dice

1 jalapeno chili, washed, seeded and diced

1 cup of chopped cilantro

2 vine ripened tomatoes, washed, seeded, and diced

Juice of one or two limes, depending on how juicy they are

1 teaspoon salt

Optional 1 avocado

Shuck the ears of corn. I never buy corn that has already been shucked because you have no idea how old it is. When the corn encased in its husk, you can see how fresh and green the husk is, and how new the silk is. When the silk is too brown it means the corn is over ripe and the kernels are probably very large and starchy. For the sweetest corn, pick ears that have a bright green husk with translucent white or clear silk and smaller kernels, more round, than square.

Place the ears of corn in a large pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Remove the corn from the boiling water and when it is cool after cooking, slice off the l kernels, going down each side with a large chef’s knife. Break up the slices into individual kernels. Open the cans of beans and drain them in a sieve. Give the beans a rinse with cold water.

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and dress with the lime juice. Top with avocado if you wish.

This is great with any grilled or barbecued meat, chicken, or fish.