This salad is so good! You can make most of it the day before to help with prep time. I make it all the time for parties. This recipe will make two large bowls of salad, serving about 40 people. If you are having a smaller get together, cut ingredients in half.

2 10-ounce clamshell of mixed greens (I like to use one clamshell of each Spring Mix and Spinach)

1 bunch of green onion (about 7 or 8 onions chopped)

1 can of whole black beans (12 ounces)

1 can of corn (8 ounces)

1 block of cheddar/jack cheese (1 pound shredded….more or less depending on how much you love cheese)

I jar of chipotle ranch dressing (I use Marie’s Creamy Chipotle Ranch)

I basket of grape tomato’s (1 pint -keep them whole)

1 small can of sliced olives (2 ounces)

1 baggie of fresh tortilla chips (place tortilla chips of choice in a 1 quart zip lock bag)

2-3 avocados (I like the way Hass tastes)

I place my tortilla chips in a 1 quart zip lock bag to smash them. This keeps them contained and allows me to estimate how many chips I’m using from the bag.

Directions:

If you want to eat immediately…

Incorporate all the ingredients, except the lettuce, chips and avocado, into a bowl. After all the ingredients are mixed, place greens in a serving bowl and pour mixture on top. Slice avocado and smash chips. Place avocado slices on the top of the salad and sprinkle the chips on top.  This will allow the chips to remain crunchy for longer. Serve.

If you would like to make it ahead of time and refrigerate for the next day…

Incorporate the black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, grape tomato’s, olives and dressing in a bowl. Gently mix together and cover with plastic wrap. Chop the onion and place in a zip lock baggie or air tight container with a piece of paper towel inside (to help with moisture). Place chips in bag and gently smash until about the size of a quarter). Place remaining ingredients next to bowl in the refrigerator. The next day, pour the lettuce/greens into a serving dish and incorporate the toppings. Slice the avocado and pour chips on top. Serve.