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In California, it's quite common to find a little "south-of-the-border" influence in many of our recipes, as is the case with this Mexican themed chopped salad. It is bursting with vibrant flavors; and while perfect for lunch, it's also hearty enough to serve for dinner.

Like most chopped salads, this dish fairly easy to throw together, especially when you use a store bought rotisserie chicken. Adding a few traditional Mexican flavors like chili powder, cilantro, lime -- combined with the creamy avocado, pan roasted corn kernels and crunchy romaine lettuce -- this salad reaches a new level of taste satisfaction.

Mexican Chopped Salad

Serves 4

For the dressing:

1 avocado

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. Cut avocado in half, remove pit and scoop flesh into blender or bowl of food processor.

2. Add remaining ingredients and process until creamy, about 30 seconds; set aside.

For the salad:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup frozen corn

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 (2 to 3 lb) rotisserie chicken, skin and bones discarded, meat shredded into bite size pieces

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped into bite size pieces

6 radishes, sliced thin

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 12 inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.

2. Add corn kernels and cook until golden and beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Add chili powder and cayenne, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Transfer to a large bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add shredded chicken, black beans, lettuce and radishes; toss gently to combine.

6. Pour dressing over salad and toss to distribute evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

(James Moore has been a cooking enthusiast since childhood and started his blog, Cook Like James, as a way to share favorite recipes, restaurants and cookbooks with friends and family. One for the Table is Amy Ephron's online magazine that specializes in food, politics and love. www.oneforthetable.com.)