Corn and Black Bean Salad

When it's as hot as the damn sun  hot and humid outside, I don't really want to eat anything that's too heavy. I crave fruit and vegetables and try to incorporate them into my cooking as much as possible. I avoid anything that requires that the oven or stove be on for a prolonged period of time (I also refrain from blow drying my hair and look like hell most summer days but that's a story for another day)

Last night I made corn and black bean salad, which is one of my favorite go to summer salads. It takes only minutes to assemble and requires no cooking. Score.

{Corn and Black Bean Salad}

What you'll need...
(2) 8 oz cans of corn
(1) 8 oz can of black beans
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 finely chopped jalapeno pepper
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
juice of 1 lime
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste
1 chopped avocado

What to do...
In a large bowl, mix corn, black beans, peppers, onion and cilantro.
In a separate small bowl, mix together olive oil, lime, garlic powder & salt and pepper to form dressing
Pour dressing over vegetables and toss
Garnish with chopped avocado

{In my new Crate and Barrel bowl!}

{I served the salad with sliders ... although they are not the lightest fare,
 I think if I put a plate of corn and beans in front of my fiance he would have said "where's dinner?"}