This make-ahead and festive black bean salad is a huge crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a summer cookout!
Ingredients
- 3 ears fresh corn (see note)
- 2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots, from one medium shallot
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 9 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, best quality such as Colavita
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (be sure to zest limes before juicing them)
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 2 Hass avocados, chopped
Instructions
- 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the corn for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp, being careful not to overcook. Drain the corn and immediately immerse it in very cold water to stop the cooking. Place the corn on a clean dish towel set over a cutting board, then use a serrated knife to cut the kernels off the cobs. (The dish towel dries the corn and keeps the kernels from bouncing everywhere.)
- 2Combine all ingredients except for avocados in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and chill for a few hours or overnight. Right before serving, add avocados and mix gently, being careful not to mash avocados. Garnish with a more chopped cilantro if desired. Serve at room temperature.
- 3Note: If using frozen or canned corn, you'll need 2¼ cups.