Rainbow Summer Salad with Mango + Black Beans.

Hi friends! I hope everyone is doing well this week and soaking up the summer sun!

One of the things I wanted to do more of this summer was take advantage of seasonal produce. I know living in California we get super spoiled, but it doesn’t mean that our fruits and veggies aren’t even better in the warmer months! I honestly can’t think of anything better on a hot day than a cold, juicy peach. Okay maybe ice cream…but you know what I’m sayin’! Since summer also tends to lend itself to more treats (and possibly alcohol because helloooooo rosé), I’ve been using the delicious seasonal produce we have at our fingertips to motivate my healthy eating habits when I’m not indulging. Hey, life is about balance, right?

This salad has been one of my favorites this past week paired with a grilled steak or some chicken! I’m hoping I’m not the only one who loves fruit in their salads, because the ripe mango in this is booooooomb. I added black beans for extra staying power, but they add a nice texture, too. I think if you were trying to make this a full meal, you could add avocado and maybe some quinoa or farro! A super easy dressing (lemon + balsamic + EVOO) makes this salad so refreshing on a hot day! I definitely recommend making this salad with heirloom tomatoes – they’re the BEST and nothing beats the flavor. Arugula was also my green of choice because its bitterness goes perfectly with the mango, but you could totally do kale or spinach instead!

Rainbow Summer Salad

4 cups rinsed arugula

1/2 can black beans

1 ripe mango, chopped

1 cup chopped heirloom tomatoes

4-6 sweet mini peppers, chopped

1/4 red onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

sea salt to taste

1. In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients except for lemon juice, oil and vinegar.

2. In a small cup or bowl, whisk together the lemon juice olive oil, and balsamic. Drizzle over the salad an toss to coat evenly.

3. Eat immediately and enjoy! *If you’d like to make this salad ahead of time, just keep the dressing separate (in a mason jar or airtight container) and dress when ready to eat.

What seasonal produce are you loving lately?!

xo Jordan