Avocado, Black Bean & Corn Salad

Ingredients

Salad

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2-3 avocados, seeded and cubed. (*see note)
• 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen (thawed)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced (I used 4 green onions for a milder flavor)
• 1/3 cup cilantro, rough chopped

Dressing

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, more if desired
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoons pure maple syrup or agave, (or any sweetener) (I used honey)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
• fresh ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place all the veggies in a large bowl (except the avocado) and toss to combine.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the lime juice, olive oil, maple syrup, cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, ground pepper and salt.
3. Pour dressing over veggies and toss to combine. Now add avocado and toss gently so they don't mash together. Taste for salt and pepper, add as needed.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve with fresh pita bread, tortilla chips or a side of rice. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

* Avocados that are just-ripe work the best, otherwise they will get mushy in your salad.

* If you're making the salad ahead of time, you may want to add the avocados & tomatoes just before serving. This will keep the salad fresh tasting.

* For extra heat, add 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the dressing. 

From whence it came: Dear Pinterest, YOU ROCK! I have found so many delicious recipes on Pinterest. Many I've never made, but boy-oh-boy am I glad I tried this one. Thank you Melissa from Vegan Huggs for sharing this healthy and fabulous salad recipe with the world.

Why it's blogable: I knew I'd love this salad. I sent the link to my adorable daughter-in-law and she made it right away and raved about it. So I gave it a whirl and now I'll be making it again and again. It's flavorful and really healthy! I was almost positive The Spy Who Loves Me wouldn't like it and I was very pleasantly surprised when he did. He more than liked it, he really liked it! And I know you will, too!

Hope you enjoy stirring it up!