Recipe: Black Bean and Rice Salad (using Italian dressing)

BLACK BEAN AND RICE SALAD

2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1 cup cooked (or canned) black beans, rinsed, drained
1 cup chopped fresh tomato
1/3 cup chopped Vidalia or another sweet onion
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup prepared Italian dressing
2 ears of sweet corn, cooked, kernels sliced off
1 cup diced ripened avocado (optional)

Cool rice a bit and then combine in a large mixing bowl with the black beans, tomato, Vidalia onion, Cheddar cheese, parsley, Italian dressing, corn kernels and avocado, if using.

Makes 6 servings
Adapted from source: USA Rice Federation