Cilantro Delight (Fresh Black Bean & Corn Salad)
Cilantro Delight is what our granddaughter named our family’s version of what many call Cowboy Caviar. This quick black bean and corn salad comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
The first time I threw this easy appetizer together, my granddaughter fell in love with it. I didn’t know exactly what to call it, so she named it, “Cilantro Delight.” It’s bright, colorful, and full of flavor! It is perfect as a dip, side dish, or topping for tacos and grilled meats.
Quick Summary
Cilantro Delight is a quick black bean and corn salad made with canned black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. Often called Cowboy Caviar, this no-cook recipe is perfect as an appetizer, a dip, side dish, or taco topping and is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and easy family meals.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No Cooking Required
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- Budget friendly
- Uses pantry ingredients you probably have on hand
- Great for potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, parties, or a midnight snack
- Healthy snack
- Full of fiber
Cilantro Delight Recipe
Ingredients
All of these are easy to keep on hand.
Ingredients
Instructions
These are the easiest instructions! You basically throw it all together.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro. You can also use kitchen scissors and just cut the cilantro up over the other ingredients.
- Mix well until evenly combined. Season as needed with salt and/or pepper.
- You can eat it right away, but if you have time to let it chill for about 30 minutes, the flavor improves even more as it sits.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or salads.
Serving Ideas
- Scoop with Fritos or tortilla chips for an easy party dip. We love the Frito Scoops for Cilantro Delight!
- Spoon over grilled chicken or fish.
- Add to tacos or bowls (burrito bowls, etc.)
- Serve as a fresh side dish at cookouts or picnics.
Tips and Variations
- Add fresh diced jalapeno peppers for a little spice.
- Substitute the Rotel tomatoes for fresh Pico de Gallo.
- Add diced avocado right before serving.
- Stir in a little lime juice for more flavor.
- Mix in diced red onion or bell pepper for more crunch.
- If you want more heat, use Hot Rotel tomatoes.
Helpful Items
After I rinse the black beans in the strainer, I add the corn and tomatoes to the same strainer and let them all drain for a bit. One of the large strainers will fit across a standard size sink, so you can leave them to drain and walk away if you need to. Just give the strainer a few shakes before adding the vegetables to a mixing bowl.
Instead of chopping the cilantro, I use kitchen scissors and cut the cilantro over the other vegetables.
You can add as much or as little cilantro as you want. We love it, so we add a lot.
Join Me
Join me each week as I share faith, food, and family recipes & ideas. Sign up below to receive them directly to your email.
Printable Recipe Card
Cilantro Delight (Fresh Black Bean & Corn Salad)
Cilantro Delight is what my granddaughter named our version of what many call Cowboy Caviar. This quick bean and corn salad comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients. It is bright, colorful, flavorful, and perfect as a dip, side dish, or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Chill for 30 minutes if time allows, if not, it is fine to eat it right away. (The flavor improves as it sits.)
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or salads.
Notes
* Add fresh jalapeno peppers (diced) for a little spice.
* Instead of using Rotel tomatoes, use Pico de Gallo.
* Season as needed.
Sometimes the best recipes are the easy ones made from simple ingredients, made in one bowl, and shared with people you love. Cilantro Delight is one of those family favorites that always shows up and brings smiles.
Keep these pantry staples on hand, and you will always have something quick and delicious to share.
Related Posts
Jalapeno Cheese Fudge
Tex Mex Shrimp Cocktail
Fresh Jalapeños with Cream Cheese Filling
Easy Game Day Appetizers
Until next time,
disclosure: Amazon Associates affiliate advertising program (and other affiliate links) are used on this page. Thank you for supporting Home with Grace and Joy. When you purchase an item, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure policy and privacy policy on the website.
“How sweet Your Word is to my taste – sweeter than honey in my mouth.”
Psalm 119:103
Your granddaughter’s “Cilantro Delight” name is adorable, and I bet the fresh cilantro makes it pop.
Great read! The content is very informative and easy to understand.
You’re right. This recipe is simple and sounds delicious. Saw your post at SSPS #397. My shares this time are #75, 76, 77, 79, and 80. Enjoy and best Valentine’s wishes to you. Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.
I’ve saved so many of your recipes, Susan! I love that this one is so easy to put together and it’s healthy as well. We’re always looking for simple things that travel well for festive occasions like Cinco de Mayo and I know this will be perfect. Thanks for making it so easy! Hugs, CoCo
This is RIGHT UP MY ALLEY! I love cilantro and often joke I could make a salad out of it instead of using lettuce. Yum. I’m going to try this! Visiting from SSPS. (I’d love to see this shared at my linkup as well, if you like: https://lifetalesbooks.blogspot.com/p/calling-fellow-bloggers.html It’s open through Thursday evening.)