Black Bean Elote Salad

This December, I wanted to do something fun for you this holiday season that not only keeps you eating good, but feeling good too.

So, I created a Fiber Advent Calendar that you can download and follow for the next 25 days…

My goal with this is to have you try to incorporate a different source of fiber each day. From fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains — this is your ultimate way to learn that eating different sources of fiber each day is possible AND easy.

Each day of the month I’ll also be posting a recipe on my social media using the fiber source of the day. This way you can see how your favorite gut health RD would actually use these ingredients in real life — simple, flavorful, and totally doable even during the busiest time of year.

My hope is that by the end of these 25 days, you’ll not only hit your fiber goals without overthinking it, but you’ll also feel more confident, creative, and inspired in the kitchen.

Whether you’re trying to support digestion, balance blood sugar, stay fuller longer, or just feel GOOD in your body through the holidays, this Fiber Advent Calendar is going to be your daily dose of nourishment, but in a festive way. Did I mention that most of the fiber sources I chose are seasonal to the month of December?

*A reminder: When you eat foods that are naturally in season, they are not only going to be fresher and tastier, but more nutritious than if they weren’t in season. We want to eat foods that aren’t traveling too long to get to us, that’s how they lose their taste and freshness. Studies show that produce picked at their peak of ripeness are going to contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen on their parent plant.

So grab your download, follow along on socials, Instagram and TikTok -- and let’s make this December the month you prioritize your gut — one delicious, fiber-filled day at a time.

Recipe #11: Black Bean Elote Salad

This Black Bean Elote Salad is a simple, nutrient-packed twist on classic street corn. The black beans add plenty of fiber and plant-based protein, and the fresh corn and vegetables keep things light and full of flavor.

The black beans, corn, red onion, and green bell pepper gets tossed in a delicious chili-lime dressing with a little cotija for creaminess. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, easy to throw together, and works in all kinds of meals!

You can enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish, spooned it into tacos, or enjoy it on its own with some tortilla chips as a satisfying snack.

I can confidently tell you that there was a mishap in my kitchen today - I forgot to grab fresh corn on the cob for this recipe and had to use frozen corn kernels from Trader Joe’s! Hence why the corn looks a bit sad-in-color. However, if you are in a pinch and need to use frozen corn, the recipe still tasted delicious — it just wasn’t as good as freshly grilled corn. Also, not to mention, I ran out of fresh cilantro AND lime (I used bottled lime juice) today as well, so it was a rough day in the filming department today. I'll have to remake it again so you can enjoy a better visual! Cooking isn't always perfect, people -- always here to keep it real.

Portion: 4 people

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

This recipe is gluten free and vegetarian.

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Ingredients:

1 15oz canned black beans, drained or rinsed

3 corn on the cob (or 1 15oz can of corn kernels)

½ green bell pepper, finely diced

¼ red onion, finely diced

4 tbsp mayo (I use avocado mayo - Chosen Mayo)

1 tbsp light sour cream

4 tbsp cotija cheese

1 ½ tbsp fresh lime juice

1/2 tsp chili powder

¼–½ tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp salt (to taste)

Black pepper to taste

Optional garnish:

Fresh cilantro, finely diced

1 green onion, finely diced

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Instructions:

1. Cook the corn: If you’re using fresh corn, boil or grill the corn on the cob for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cobs. If using canned corn, drain it well.

2. Prep the vegetables: Prep the green bell pepper and red onion.

3. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, light sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. Combine the ingredients: Add the black beans, corn, bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl. Add in the cotija cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

5. Taste and adjust: Adjust for lime juice, salt, or pepper to your taste.

6. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro and green onion if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I did, so if you do, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I always read through my suggestions and comments, so please let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions you can feel free to DM me here or through Instagram. Speaking of Instagram - please tag me in all of your creations! I love seeing how the recipes come out and seeing how talented you all are. Sending my love.

xoxo,

Jasmin D the RD