Coogirl Candy Charred Corn & Black Bean Summer Salad with Honey-Lime Yogurt

Coogirl Candy Charred Corn & Black Bean Summer Salad with Honey-Lime Yogurt

This bright, no-fuss salad layers sweet-spicy Coogirl Candy with smoky charred corn, creamy black beans and crisp summer veggies. Serve as a light vegetarian main, a vibrant side for grilled meats, or spoon over toasted flatbread. The recipe highlights Coogirl Candy both as a finishing glaze and folded into a honey-lime yogurt for cool contrast.

Ingredients

• 3 medium ears fresh corn, husks removed (or 3 cups frozen corn thawed)
• 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 1/2 small red onion, very finely diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 avocado, diced (optional, add just before serving)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Honey-Lime Yogurt
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons Coogirl Candy (see creative use below)
  • Salt to taste
• Coogirl Glaze & Finish
  • 3 tablespoons Coogirl Candy (plus more for serving)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Optional garnish: crumbled queso fresco or feta, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the corn. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until smoking lightly. Brush the corn lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place directly in the skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until kernels are deeply charred in spots, about 10 minutes. If using frozen corn, dry it well in a towel, then char in a hot skillet without oil until blistered and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
2. Cut kernels from the cobs with a sharp knife into a large bowl. Add the black beans, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, scallion whites, red onion and cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
3. Make the honey-lime yogurt. In a small bowl whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro and 2 teaspoons Coogirl Candy. Season with a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as desired. The Coogirl Candy folded into the yogurt gives a subtle sweet-heat base that cools the salad and ties flavors together.
4. Make the Coogirl glaze. In a tiny saucepan or microwave-safe bowl warm 3 tablespoons Coogirl Candy with the apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon olive oil just until pourable, about 20 seconds in the microwave or low heat on the stove. Whisk to emulsify. This thin glaze will add glossy sweet-spicy highlights to the salad.
5. Dress and toss. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the glaze and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over the salad. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat. If the salad seems dry, add a splash of water or another teaspoon of olive oil.
6. Plate and finish. Spoon the salad onto a large platter or divide among bowls. Dollop or lightly drizzle the honey-lime yogurt over the top or serve on the side for guests to add. Scatter diced avocado and scallion greens, then finish with a few additional spoonfuls of plain Coogirl Candy as a bright garnish. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or feta if using and serve with lime wedges.
7. Serving suggestions. Serve warm or at room temperature. This salad is excellent with grilled halloumi, blackened tempeh, or alongside simply roasted chicken. Leftovers refrigerate well up to 2 days; add avocado just before serving.

Notes

• Creative use of product: Coogirl Candy is used three ways here – folded into the yogurt for cooling sweet-heat, warmed into a glossy glaze for the salad, and spooned raw on top for pops of candied jalapeño texture and extra kick.
• Adjust heat by adding more or less Coogirl Candy to the yogurt and glaze. The jalapeño bits are delightful to bite into, so keep some chunky pieces for texture.
• Make this salad into tacos by spooning into warmed corn tortillas and topping with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Find Coogirl Candy here: https://coomoojams.com/product/cowgirl-candy/