Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Begin by thoroughly draining and rinsing your black beans in a colander under cold water. This removes excess sodium and the thick liquid that can make your salsa murky. Shake off excess water and transfer beans to a large mixing bowl. If using frozen corn, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. Add corn to the bowl with the beans.

Step 2: Dice the Peppers and Onion
Dice your bell peppers into small, uniform pieces (about ¼-inch cubes) so they’re easy to scoop with chips. Finely dice the red onion – you want small pieces that distribute evenly throughout the salsa. Seed and mince the jalapeño pepper, removing the white membranes for less heat if desired. Add all the chopped vegetables to the bowl.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Herbs
Mince your garlic cloves very fine – you don’t want large chunks of raw garlic. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro, including the tender stems (they have tons of flavor!). Add both to the mixing bowl.

Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This simple dressing will coat all the ingredients and help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine and Mix
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and beans. Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently toss everything together until well combined. Make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Be gentle to avoid smashing the beans.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust
This is the most important step! Taste your salsa and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more lime juice for brightness, more salt to enhance flavors, or more jalapeño for heat. Remember, flavors will intensify as the salsa sits, so err on the side of slightly under-seasoning.

Step 7: Chill and Serve
For best results, cover the salsa and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days) before serving. This allows the flavors to marry and develop. If adding avocado, dice and fold it in just before serving to prevent browning. Serve with tortilla chips, or use as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or salads.