Fresh Summer Salad

One of my favorite things to do during the summer months is make a big salad with fresh and in season produce that I find at a local farmer’s market or roadside stand. I always feel that the seasonal produce such as corn on the cob, tomatoes, and cucumbers taste so much better from a local farmer or gardener this time of year.

I love fresh avocadoes. They add amazing taste and are a clean fat source to add to big salads. You will want to find a ripe one at the store so that it is easier to cut and has the best taste.

I like to also grill up some chicken, lean steak, shrimp, or scallops for a protein source to enjoy with a salad. This makes for a healthy, balanced meal to enjoy in the summer. Here is one of my favorite salads to throw together. It is fairly simple to prepare and it is packed with fiber and protein to help keep you full.

Ingredients:

- 1 Avocado (ripe)

- 1 can of low sodium black beans

- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes

- 1/2 cup cilantro, fresh

- 2 ears of fresh sweet corn

- 1 cucumber

- 1 lime

- Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Wash all produce.

2. Boil the sweet corn on the stove to cook. When corn is cooked and cooled, cut if off of

the cob.

3. Dice up the avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.

4. Rinse and chop the cilantro.

5. Drain and rinse the black beans.

6. Place black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, sweet corn, and cucumber together in a large bowl.

7. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the mixture.

8. Add the avocado and the salt and pepper to taste.

9. Mix and Enjoy!