The Best Me: Black Bean Salad, My Way

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before that I don't like to cook. Like, REALLY don't like to cook. Like, if I ever had the choice between a housekeeper or a cook, I'd choose the cook. OK, who am I kidding, I want both! Anyway, when my husband kissed me goodbye this morning and said "Remember, I'm on late hits at the hospital tonight." (Don't ask me what that means, all I know is it means he won't be home until after the kids are in bed) I was bummed that he would be getting home late, but secretly excited that I wouldn't have to cook dinner because usually when he works late he just eats at the hospital.

Don't worry though, I'm not about to let my children starve! They had a great big healthy helping of mac' n cheese. As for me, I love, love, love, anything with cilantro or black beans in it so Black Bean Salad is one of my go to dinner just for me options. And then I eat it continuously for several days straight.

I'm sure a lot of you have had this before or have your own version of the recipe. (It's also called Avocado salad) But it tends to be one of those recipes that we all have but forget about. So consider this a "remember how good this is" recipe.

Also, I need to mention that my camera is at the repair shop right now but won't be ready for 2-3 weeks and the only other camera I have is on my phone, so the pictures are pretty bad, but I figured it was better than no pictures at all.

Black Bean Salad
2-3 Avocados, chopped
1 Tomato, diced
1 Can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1 Can of Corn, drained
1/2 Red Onion, diced
Cilantro to Taste
1 Packet Italian Seasoning
Juice of 1 Lime
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and bust open a bag of tortilla chips. I prefer the hint of lime chips, but just buy whatever tickles your fancy.

(If you look closely, you might notice that my salad is missing the avocados. That's because mine were not even close to being ripe, but that was not about to deter me from making this for dinner!)

At this point I could say OK, post finished, but that would be doing all of you a disservice. Although I do eat this straight from the bowl with a bag of chips by my side most of the time. There is one other way I like to eat this and it was for this very purpose that I braved the snow to go to the grocery store today and the Wendy's drive through. All I ask in return for sharing my secret with you is that you don't judge too quickly. Try it before you decide if I'm crazy or not.

First, your going to start with a plate of chips. Mine were hint of lime, of course

Next, sprinkle on a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese.

After that comes the really good part. Dump on some chili. I love chili! Sadly, chili does not really love me, which might beg the question, why eat it? Uh, I love it!