Chow down. Or lighten up. To make this a heartier dish, add 1½ cups cooked quinoa. Warm quinoa gives the dish a delightful hot-cold contrast. Conversely, the dish can be made lighter by adding 2 cups of fresh greens, like spinach or romaine.

ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (1½ cups)
• 1 medium carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
• ½ small red onion, minced (about ¼ cup)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ lime, juiced
• 1½ tablespoon garlic granules or powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 generous pinches of cayenne pepper, or to taste