mama laura’s world famous black bean salad

it’s the family joke around here. it’s my go-to dish for taking-to and serving-at parties. so my gang is a little sick of it. but it is SO yummy...and so many people have asked. so here it is. from bon appetit magazine ages ago when i used to have the time to cook fancy. (but this recipes is not fancy...it is SO easy and definitely a good one to experiment with. the recipe doesn’t call for cilantro...but i think it cries out for it. and i usually use 2 cans of black beans instead of one) and at end of the summer with lots of cucumbers and banana peppers around...go for it.)


ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon minced garlic (not enough! add more!)

2 1/2 cups cooked long-grain white rice (about 1 cup raw), cooled
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped green onions

Lettuce leaves (optional)

prep

Whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, cumin and garlic in medium bowl until well blended. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Combine rice, beans, peppers and onions in large bowl. Toss salad with enough dressing to moisten. (i just use all the dressing it just soaks into the rice) Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Line large serving bowl with lettuce leaves, if desired. Spoon salad into bowl and serve.