By: Tracy Pardo, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there! I wanted to share a seasonal recipe that you can bring to your Father’s day cookout or your next summer gathering. This is a great example of a stress free recipe that can be put together in just a few minutes.  These fresh ingredients are perfect for the season and you may already have these ingredients in your kitchen! …. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 can black beans (or about ½ cup dried black beans soaked overnight and cooked)

½ red onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 bunch cilantro

1 – 2 ripe avocados

Dressing:

2 limes, juiced

zest of 1 lime

3 – 4 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)

½ teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

sea salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Open and drain canned beans. Give the beans a quick rinse to remove extra salt and residue. Set drained beans aside.
2. Prepare bell peppers by removing the tops and cleaning out seeds and ribs. Chop the bell peppers into same size small pieces.
3. Next chop onions into same size pieces.
4. In a large bowl combine the beans, peppers, and onions.
5. Take a handful of cilantro and chop. Remove any stems or discolored leaves and mix into the bowl. Set bowl aside and prepare to make the dressing.
6. In a small bowl, add all dressing ingredients and whisk together.
7. Pour dressing over bean mixture and toss well. Put in refrigerator to chill for about an hour.
8. Before serving, add sliced or chopped avocado to the top.

This bean salad is great as a side, topping on a burger, mixed in with other greens, or even as a salsa with tortilla chips!

To learn more about Tracy’s In Home Cooking and Nutrition Programs, schedule a Complimentary Consultation by calling (203) 916-4600.