Palate Pulse: Black Bean Salad

Welcome to our new monthly recipe post! April's recipe of the month is Black Bean Salad.

Simple. Healthy. Delicious.

Warmer weather is making its way across the country and the opportunity to make meals and dishes using local fresh ingredients or things from your own garden has arrived. In our household fresh vegetables are a staple and what we do not grow, we strive to source from our local community. It's just one of our ways of supporting fellow small business owners. April kicks off our monthly recipe posts and while my significant other and I are not alumni of some famous culinary institute, we both love to cook and compete for Master Chef in the kitchen. Thankfully we enjoy cooking together even more than competing since the kids are usually our judges and can be quite picky. This take on black bean salad is both versatile and easy. Let's get to it!

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BLACK BEAN SALAD

Two 16-oz cans of organic black beans, rinsed and drained

One 16-oz can of organic corn, rinsed and drained

1 yellow, red, or orange bell pepper

1 .5 - 2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes

1 cucumber, diced

Two 16-oz cans of sliced black or green olives

1/2 small red onion, diced (optional)

1 tsp fresh minced garlic (optional)

Juice from one lime (optional)

1 jalapeño, diced (optional)

2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/3 cup of Italian dressing

Alternatively use:

2 small vine ripe tomatoes of choice such as Roma

1 can each of black and green olives

English cucumber

Use roasted or grilled corn removed from the cob

DIRECTIONS: Gently mix all ingredients in a large bowl, garnish with a sprig or two of cilantro and enjoy. We like olives so mix green and black without bias and we definitely are known to kick things up a notch with spicy peppers. Being ever cautious of processed foods and preservatives we also make our own Italian dressing. Keep your personal taste in mind and make adjustments as needed. There's nothing wrong with a little healthy experimentation in the kitchen! Stay tuned for next month's recipe dear reader and be well.

Blessings,

Tasha