http://www.lawrence.com/users/shenning/photos/2011/may/16/214062/

OK, so it’s not corn season yet. But it’s SOOOO hard to wait for that unofficial sweet corn season starter date, July 4.

That said, this week’s Meatless Monday uses just a little bit of corn, something you can either get from the freezer section or from one of the early ears from some warm climate. The corn, combined with lime juice, black beans and couscous makes for a yummy, filling meal with a summery overtone. Yum!

Southwestern Couscous Salad

1 cup whole wheat couscous

1 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

1/4 cup lime juice

3/4 teaspoon chili powder

1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 zucchini, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears corn)

Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes; fluff with a fork. Toss couscous with remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Serves 8.

— Recipe from www.wholefoodsmarket.com.