Ingredients

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (preferably Meyer) or lime
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper
• 10 medium celery stalks, strings removed, thinly sliced on the diagonal (about 4 cups)
• 2 cups lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, torn if large
• 1 medium head frisée, chicory, or escarole, cored and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts or walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the zest and juice as well as the olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Add the celery and toss, then let the mixture stand for 10 minutes. Add the parsley, frisée, and nuts, then toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1 pound grape or cherry tomatoes, red, yellow, or a mix, halved
• 3 ears of cooked sweet corn (grilled or boiled), shucked and sliced off the cob
• 2 avocados peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 small red onion, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed if canned (optional)
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
• Butter lettuce leaves, such as Little Gem, for serving (optional)

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes), or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea), or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon merquén (see Notes below) or chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Make the salad: In a large mixing bowl, place the tomatoes, corn, avocados, onion, black beans (if using), and cilantro; stir gently with a rubber spatula to combine.

Step 2

Make the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, merquén (see Notes below), and black pepper. Shake vigorously to emulsify. Taste, adding more lime juice or salt; the dressing should be highly seasoned. Drizzle over the salad, mixing gently with a rubber spatula.

Step 3

If using, arrange the lettuce leaves in a single layer on a platter. Tip the avocado and corn salad over the leaves. Or simply transfer the salad to an attractive serving bowl. Serve immediately.

Notes: Merquén is a spice blend unique to Chile, one we have come to love: It consists of smoked and dried goat’s horn chiles, salt, cumin, and toasted ground coriander. Find it at well-stocked spice stores or online. The salad can be made up to several hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated. But prepare and add the avocado just before serving.