Skip to content
Looking for the perfect summer salsa that will have everyone asking for the recipe? This vibrant fresh corn and black bean salsa with raw honey is a game-changer that takes just 15 minutes to make and requires absolutely no cooking. It's the ideal crowd-pleasing appetizer for BBQs, picnics, pool parties, and any summer gathering where you want to impress without the stress. The combination of sweet corn kernels, hearty black beans, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs creates a colorful, nutritious, good salsa that's as beautiful as it is delicious. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of pure, raw honey, which adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy lime juice and apple cider vinegar, creating a flavor profile that's both refreshing and satisfying.
What Makes This Summer Salsa Special?
Summer is the time for outdoor gatherings, relaxing in the sun, and getting creative in the kitchen. If there's one flavor that screams summer fun, it's fresh salsa. This easy summer salsa recipe combines sweet corn, hearty black beans, and the natural sweetness of raw honey for a crowd-pleasing dip that's both healthy and delicious.
Unlike traditional tomato-heavy salsas, this corn and black bean salsa offers a unique twist with its combination of textures and flavors. The raw honey adds depth and natural sweetness that perfectly balances the acidity from fresh juice and apple cider vinegar - plus it tastes good! This summer salsa offers pico de gallo vibes while including extra hearty ingredients.
How to Make Summer Salsa
Ingredients
- Sweet white corn, kernels removed from cob
- Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Red onion, finely diced
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green peppers), seeded and finely diced
- Jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- Fresh tomatoes, diced
- Garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Corn: Start by cooking your corn in boiling water for just a few minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This blanching technique keeps the corn tender-crisp and bright. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels from the cob. Standing the corn cob in a large bowl while cutting will catch all those falling kernels and prevent a mess.
Prep the Black Beans: Drain and rinse your black beans thoroughly under cold water. This step is crucial - you'll want to rinse them several times until the water runs clear. This removes excess sodium and that starchy liquid that can make your salsa soggy and gives canned beans that metallic taste.
Combine the Fresh Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your corn kernels with the rinsed black beans, diced red onion, chopped bell pepper, minced jalapeño, diced tomatoes, pressed garlic, and all of your fresh herbs. The key here is getting everything chopped to similar sizes so each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Making the Honey-Lime Dressing: In a separate. small bowl, whisk together your raw honey, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lime juice until well combined. The honey might take a moment to fully incorporate, especially if it's thick raw honey, so be patient and keep whisking. Feel free to use a blender or food processor if you prefer.
Bring It All Together: Pour your honey-lime dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently fold everything together until every ingredient is well coated. If you notice excess liquid pooling at the bottom, go ahead and drain it off - this will prevent your salsa from becoming watery. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the salsa rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow all those beautiful flavors to meld together.
This salsa would taste delicious on top of Rockfish Tacos!
Health Benefits of This Summer Salsa Recipe
This healthy summer salsa isn't just delicious - it's packed with nutrients:
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium for heart health
- Garlic: Natural antioxidant that supports immune function and may help lower cholesterol
- Cilantro: Contains compounds that may help remove heavy metals from the body
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Supports healthy digestion and provides potassium
- Fresh Parsley: High in folic acid, chlorophyll, and B vitamins
- Raw Honey: Contains natural enzymes and antioxidants when minimally processed
Recipe Variations and Tips
Make It Your Own
- Heat Level: Remove jalapeño seeds for mild heat, or add serrano peppers for extra spice
- Citrus Swap: Use fresh lemon juice instead of lime juice for a different citrus note
- Garden Fresh: Add diced cucumber, radishes, or fresh herbs from your garden
- Dressing Enhancement: Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the dressing for richness
- Protein Boost: Serve over grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Make Ahead: This salsa tastes even better the next day as flavors develop
- Serving Size: Perfect for parties - this recipe serves 8-10 people
- Pairing: Excellent with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos
Scoop this salsa onto kale chips for a healthy and delicious snack
When to Serve This Summer Salsa
Almost every summer occasion is a perfect time for eating salsa! This easy corn salsa recipe is perfect for:
- Summer BBQs and cookouts
- Pool parties and beach gatherings
- Picnics and outdoor events
- Healthy snacking any time
- Potluck dinners
- Taco Tuesday sides
Why Raw Honey Makes the Difference
Our recipe features completely raw, natural honey that's minimally filtered to retain maximum health benefits. Unlike processed sweeteners, raw honey adds complexity and natural enzymes that complement the fresh vegetables perfectly. The honey balances the acidity from the vinegar and lime while enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works well as a substitute! Thaw the frozen corn completely and pat it dry with paper towels before using to remove excess moisture. While fresh corn provides the best sweet flavor and crisp texture, frozen corn is a convenient option that will still give you delicious results when fresh isn't available.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes are preferred for the best texture and flavor in this raw salsa, you can use canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. Make sure to drain them very well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Keep in mind that canned tomtoes will make the salsa softer and may require additional draining time.
What kind of tomatoes go with this recipe?
The best tomatoes for this salsa are firm, ripe varieties that hold their shape well when diced. Roma tomatoes are excellent because they're meaty with fewer seeds and less juice. Beefsteak tomatoes work great too if they're not overly ripe. Cherry tomatoes will also work and are easy to prep. Avoid very juicy varieties like heirloom tomatoes unless you plan to drain the salsa thoroughly, as they can make the mixture too watery.
How long does this salsa last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this fresh salsa will keep for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, but the vegetables may start to soften slightly after the third day. For best quality and crispest texture, consume within the first 2-3 days of making.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salsa actually improves in flavor when made a few hours ahead or overnight, as it gives all the ingredients time to meld together beautifully. The honey, vinegar, and lime juice work as a natural marinade for the vegetables. Just give it a good stir before serving and drain any excess liquid that may have accumulated.
Is this salsa spicy?
The heat level is mild to medium, thanks to the jalapeño peppers. For a milder version, remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños before chopping. If you prefer more heat, leave some seeds in or add an extra jalapeño. You can also substitute serrano peppers for a spicier kick.
Why This Summer Salsa Recipe Works Every Time
This fresh summer salsa with honey is the perfect addition to your warm-weather recipe collection. It's quick to make, incredibly fresh-tasting, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet corn, protein-rich black beans, and the natural sweetness of raw honey creates a salsa that's both satisfying and nutritious.
Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or just want a healthy snack, this recipe delivers every time. The best part? It only takes 15 minutes to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the sunshine and less time in the kitchen.
Ready to try this recipe? Share your creation with us using #BeeInspired on Instagram—we love seeing your delicious results!
