Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrating the Mexican victory during the Battle of Pueblo. For some reason, Americans also celebrate this holiday, even though it has nothing to do with the US. Most celebrate by serving Mexican food, and some use the holiday as an excuse to drink and party. If you belong to the former group, the following Chile Rubbed Pork Chops with Corn & Black Bean Salsa is a great dish to serve, and, since Cinco de Mayo is not an actual holiday where anyone gets a day off, it's nice that it can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

Heat up the grill as you arrive home from work, so it's ready as soon as the pork chops are ready to grill. The salsa can be made a day or two ahead if it's more convenient; the dressing keeps the avocado from turning brown. Leftover salsa can be served with tortilla chips.

8 Servings

Salsa:
1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 oz. can corn, or 2 cups frozen corn, rinsed
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh jalapeno peppers
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
5 to 6 green onions, chopped
6 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped
2 large avocadoes, peeled, seed removed, and diced
1 1/4 cups lite Italian salad dressing

Pork Chops
2 tablespoons premium chili powder (such as Gebhardt)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds center cut pork chops, about 1" thick, (about 6)

1. Salsa: Mix all ingredients; cover and chill for at least two hours (if you have time) to allow flavors to blend.
2. Preheat a gas grill to high heat.
3. Mix the chili powder and vegetable oil until it forms a paste.
4. Rub each of the pork chops on both sides with the mixture.
5. Grill 8-10 minutes on each side until the chops are just barely cooked through, and still juicy (130°-140° on an instant read thermometer); they will continue cooking a little as they sit.
6. Serve immediately with the salsa.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 534 Calories from Fat 250
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 47% Protein 26% Carb. 27%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 70 mg
Sodium 509 mg
Total Carbohydrate 36 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 35 g

Vitamin A 51% Vitamin C 85% Calcium 0% Iron 20%