First, gather all your ingredients. This is not just a cooking activity; it's about arranging a colorful palette. Rinse the black beans thoroughly to eliminate excess sodium. Dice the avocados, chop the tomatoes and sweet onion, mince garlic, and prepare the jalapeño if you’re including it.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans and diced tomatoes. Next, gently fold in the diced avocados. Be mindful here; we want to keep those beautiful chunks intact. Add in your sweet onion, garlic, cilantro, and cumin. If you like that kick, toss in the jalapeño as well.

This is where it gets zesty! Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and squeeze the juice of one fresh lime. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently. The olive oil and lime juice work wonders, blending the flavors beautifully.

Give your salad a taste test. Do you need more lime juice or salt? Feel free to adjust. This is all about making it perfect for your palate. If it feels like something is missing, perhaps a bit more cumin or cilantro will bring it all together.

Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This dish shines after a little time to rest, allowing the ingredients to sing their harmonious tune. Serve chilled or at room temperature. It will be a crowd favorite.