Easy Black Bean & Corn Dip with Feta Recipe

This Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta is one of my favorite appetizers for several reasons. No oven. No cooking. Quick & easy. Keeps well in the fridge (even after dressing is added). Full of Nutrition. Aaand most importantly: it's just a ridiculously good dip. 😊 It's loaded with sweet corn, hearty black beans, tangy feta cheese, and fresh vegetables with a simple dressing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: "A favorite at our house! Simply delicious and so easy to make." -Anik

As a dietitian, I love showing people how to make delicious recipes that also happen to be healthy. And this Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta is exactly that. It's so good everyone will be asking for the recipe, and it provides nutrients like plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Never underestimate the power of the right combination of fresh ingredients!

This dip is a crowd pleaser and an easy appetizer to serve with tortilla chips or pita chips. So make a double batch and bring it to summer gatherings like backyard BBQs for Memorial Day weekend or 4th of July. It also pairs well with dinners like a Southwest Chicken Bowl or Shrimp Tacos. You can even snack on it by itself (I often do)! 😊

If you like this recipe, you can find more ideas in my 25 Top Summer Cookout Recipes guide. Some favorites include Sweet Corn & Cucumber Salad and Street Corn Salad with Creamy Dressing. If you're looking for options without corn, try my Easy Black Bean Salsa (Pico de Gallo style), Chickpea Salad with Feta, Honey Lime Chickpea Salad, or Mint & Watermelon Salad with Feta.

Jump to:

• Key Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas
• How to Make Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta
• Dietitian Tip
• Video of How to Make Black Bean Corn Feta Dip
• Variations for Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta
• Storage for Black Bean Corn Dip with Feta
• Expert Advice 
• FAQ
• Related
• Perfect for Pairing
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Key Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas

This Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta is made with simple ingredients. Below are some notes. Check the recipe card at the bottom for measurements.

Dip Base Ingredients

• Black Beans - black beans are the base of this recipe. I use canned black beans and drain & rinse them. This is one of the things that differentiates this recipe from a cowboy caviar that's made with black-eyed peas. Black beans have an earthy flavor and pair perfectly with the dressing. Nutritionally, they're a good source of fiber for a healthy gut and provide plant-based protein. If you want, go ahead and add in black-eyed peas or pinto beans too. 
• Corn - you can use fresh corn kernels cooked how you like and cut off the cobb, canned corn, or frozen corn. I usually use canned corn to make it easy. Look for sweet corn if using canned or frozen. Corn is a budget-friendly ingredient and it adds more fiber.
• Feta - I suggest to get a block of feta and crumble it yourself because it tastes so much more fresh. But in pinch, store-bought crumbled feta works too! Feta is a great addition to add a salty component which in my opinion is crucial for a flavorful dip.
• Bell Pepper - I use a red bell pepper and a green bell pepper for this recipe. Bell pepper adds crunch, color, flavor, and vitamin C. You can use any color bell peppers you like. I like using red bell peppers because they're my personal favorite and green peppers to add more color.
• Tomato - I usually use Roma tomatoes when I make this dip. They tend to have more "meat" meaning they have less juice and seeds so they hold together better in recipes like this black bean dip. With that said, use any variety of fresh tomatoes you prefer and can find. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are good options, and campari tomatoes and heirloom tomatoes will work too.
• Red Onion -  red onion adds a bit of sweetness and crunch. If you prefer, use green onions, scallions, or spring onion instead. 
• Cilantro -  fresh cilantro (also known as Chinese parsley) adds zest and amps up the flavor. If you don't like cilantro, replace it with fresh parsley or leave it out.

Dressing Ingredients

• Lime Juice - fresh squeezed lime juice is the base of the dressing and the citrus brightens up the flavor of the whole dip. You can substitute with lemon juice or even orange juice if you prefer.
• Vinegar - I use white wine vinegar for this recipe because it has a mild flavor and the lime already adds acidity. Apple cider vinegar would work well too, but I suggest using slightly less if using apple cider vinegar.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - olive oil helps bring everything together. It also adds flavor and heart-healthy fats that support brain health and hormone health. If I don't have olive oil, I use avocado oil as a substitute and it works here too.
• Honey - to add a bit of sweetness and balance everything out. Honey is also an antimicrobial and using local honey helps with seasonal allergies.
• Garlic Powder -  I prefer using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in this dip because it's a more concentrated and a little goes a long way.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper - a little bit of salt and pepper ties the flavors together. 

How to Make Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta

Below are the instructions for how to make this versatile dip with photos that I hope are helpful! Check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.

Hint: If you are making this corn salsa in advance, complete steps 1-3 and leave some of the dressing out. Add the rest of the dressing and crumbled feta cheese just before serving. Serve with dippable chips!

Video of How to Make Black Bean Corn Feta Dip

Here's a video of how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful.

Variations for Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta

The great thing about this dip is you can customize to your taste! Below are some ideas. 

• Spicy - if you're a fan of spicy flavors, add jalapeño peppers and mix crushed red pepper or hot sauce into the dressing.
• Deluxe - throw in more veggies to amp up the flavor and nutrition even more. Cauliflower, jicama, or crunchy cucumbers would all be good additions.
• More Citrus- add a zesty twist by doubling up on the lime juice or use half lemon juice or orange juice and half lime juice for the dressing.
• Black Bean Pico de Gallo - if you want an option for a black bean dip without corn, this black bean salsa with tomatoes and cilantro is a great one.

Storage for Black Bean Corn Dip with Feta

• Refrigerator - store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. 
• Tip for storing - If you are making it in advance to serve later, combine everything except the feta cheese and part of the dressing. Add the remaining dressing and feta cheese right before serving. 

Expert Advice 

• To save on time, use canned black beans and corn. Drain them and give them a quick rinse to get rid of excess liquid.
• Finely chop your vegetables to make this delicious dip even more perfect for dipping chips.
• Buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself for the best flavor.
• If you or someone you are serving doesn't like cilantro, replace it with parsley or leave it out. It will still have plenty of flavor.
• Serve this dip in a big bowl with sturdy chips or fresh vegetables to dip in it like cucumbers or mini bell peppers.
• You can also use this dip as a side dish. I love to add it to Southwest Chicken Rice Bowls or have a scoop on top of scrambled eggs or in a chicken taco.

FAQ

Related

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Perfect for Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Black Bean and Corn Dip with Feta:

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love. 🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian

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