This vibrant and refreshing salad combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with the zest of lime and spices, perfect for a summer gathering.
Dice the cucumber into small cubes.
Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and maintain the cucumber's texture.
Rinse and drain the black beans and corn.
Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and enhances their flavor.
Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic.
If the onion is too pungent, soak it in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
Juice the lime and chop the cilantro.
Roll the lime on the counter before juicing to extract more juice.
Combine the cucumber, beans, corn, onion, and garlic in a mixing bowl.
Mix gently to avoid mashing the beans.
Add the lime juice, cilantro, cumin, cayenne pepper, olive oil, and salt to the bowl.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Garnish with extra cilantro leaves for a fresh look.