Hearty Black Bean and Green Bean Salad with Dried Fruits
What Started it all:
Black Beans, Green bean, dried fruits (raisins, apricots), food processor
This vibrant and nutritious salad is perfect for a family meal. Packed with protein-rich black beans, crisp green beans, and a delightful mix of dried fruits, this dish is both healthy and delicious. It's easy to prepare and makes a wonderful side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans (canned or cooked from dried)
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain again and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, green beans, raisins, dried apricots, red onion, red bell pepper, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl or food processor, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Enjoy this colorful and flavorful salad as a nutritious addition to your family meal. It's a great way to incorporate a variety of textures and tastes, making healthy eating a delightful experience for everyone.