Name: Easy Succotash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces frozen lima beans (about 2 cups), thawed; 3 cups fresh (from 4 cooked cobs), canned or frozen corn kernels, thawed; 1 bunch green onions, separated into white and green parts and thinly sliced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves; ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 3 limes); Sea salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish to brighten up your meal rotation, this Easy Succotash Recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with the sweet pop of corn, tender lima beans, zesty lime, and fragrant herbs, it’s a colorful medley that’s incredibly simple to whip up but feels impressively flavorful. Whether you want a hearty side, a light lunch, or a stunning dish to share with friends, this recipe brings warmth and a touch of sunshine to your table every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

A black cast iron pan filled with three main layers of ingredients; the base layer is yellow corn kernels spread evenly across the pan, the middle layer consists of light beige large beans mostly piled in the center, and the top layer has small pieces of bright green chopped scallions scattered gently over the beans and corn. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in building the exciting textures, fresh flavors, and vibrant colors of this dish. From the sweetness of corn to the herbal brightness of basil and cilantro, every item contributes to the perfect balance that makes this Easy Succotash Recipe so memorable.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a lovely sear on the vegetables.
10 ounces frozen lima beans (about 2 cups), thawed: Bring creamy texture and subtle nuttiness.
3 cups fresh (from 4 cooked cobs), canned or frozen corn kernels, thawed: Sweetness and that classic, crisp corn bite.
1 bunch green onions, white and green parts, thinly sliced and separated: Adds layers of mild oniony flavor and color contrast.
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity to brighten the dish.
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves: Brings fresh citrusy herbal notes.
½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet aroma and depth.
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 3 limes): Provides a bright, tangy lift that wakes up all the ingredients.
Sea salt, to taste: Enhances natural flavors with just the right seasoning.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds subtle heat and complexity.

How to Make Easy Succotash Recipe

Step 1: Heat and Cook the Vegetables

Start by warming the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once you see the oil shimmering, toss in the lima beans, corn, and the white and light green parts of the green onion. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the corn has golden-browned spots and the onions have softened beautifully. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. This stage deepens the flavors, creating that irresistible caramelized touch that makes succotash so delightful.

Step 2: Toss in Fresh Ingredients

Once the vegetables have developed that lovely color and softness, transfer them to a large bowl. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, the dark green parts of the green onions, fresh cilantro, and roughly chopped basil leaves. Pour in the fresh lime juice to instantly lift and brighten all of the ingredients. Season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, making sure each bite will have that perfect balance of brightness, sweet, and savory flavors.

How to Serve Easy Succotash Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with four main layers arranged in sections: yellow corn kernels with a few pale broad beans make up the base and most of the bowl, bright red cherry tomatoes sliced in half are placed on one side, fresh green leafy herbs including cilantro and basil cover another section, and finely chopped green onions add a rough texture on top near the middle. A woman's hand holds a small white cup filled with light yellow dressing just below the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your succotash, consider adding a few fresh garnishes right before serving. A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or basil not only amps up the herbal freshness but makes your dish look garden-fresh. You might also drizzle a bit more olive oil or a squeeze of extra lime for an eye-catching sheen and punch of acidity.

Side Dishes

This Easy Succotash Recipe works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken or fish, pairing especially well with smoky or citrus-marinated proteins. It also complements barbecues or can be served with a crusty bread to soak up every bit of that vibrant, delicious mix. For a vegetarian meal, serve it over quinoa or brown rice to turn it into a complete and satisfying plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve this succotash warm inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a charming presentation, or chill it and enjoy it as a refreshing summer salad. You could also spoon it onto tostadas topped with avocado slices for a playful twist. The bright colors and fresh flavors allow for plenty of creative plating options that make mealtime exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover succotash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to give it a quick stir and freshen it with an extra squeeze of lime before serving again.

Freezing

While succotash is best enjoyed fresh for maximum brightness, you can freeze leftover portions if needed. Transfer cooled succotash into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, though keep in mind that fresh herbs and tomatoes may lose some vibrancy after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your succotash in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through. Stir often to prevent sticking and maintain the mixture’s texture. Avoid overheating to keep the fresh vegetable flavors intact. Adding a little fresh lime juice or herbs after warming will bring back that freshly made brightness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lima beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh lima beans work great if they’re in season. Just cook them separately until tender before adding, as fresh beans may take longer to soften than frozen ones.

Is this Easy Succotash Recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally both vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for a variety of diets without any need for substitutions.

Can I substitute the herbs used in this recipe?

Definitely. While cilantro and basil are fantastic here, you could swap in fresh parsley, mint, or even dill for a different but equally fresh herbaceous touch.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, toss in finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables. This will give your succotash a lively kick without overpowering the natural sweetness.

Is succotash better served warm or cold?

Succotash is versatile and delicious either way. Serving it warm highlights the cooked flavors, while chilled succotash feels refreshing and perfect for warmer days. Try both and see what you prefer!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Succotash Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that makes you feel like you’ve captured the essence of summer in a bowl. It’s simple, fresh, and supremely satisfying, no matter how you serve it. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a staple in your kitchen for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. So grab your skillet, gather these beautiful ingredients, and enjoy the bright, delicious magic that is succotash!

Easy Succotash Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need