pat's Recipe

Spinach and Bean Salad

Category: SALADS

Ingredients
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup snipped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped red and/or yellow sweet pepper
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup apricot nectar
2 tablespoons salad oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
4 cups shredded fresh spinach

Directions
1. In a medium mixing bowl combine black beans, apricots, sweet pepper, green onion, cilantro, and garlic, In a screw-top jar combine apricot nectar, oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger. Cover and shake well. Pour over bean mixture; toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.

2. To serve, add spinach to black bean mixture, tossing to mix. Season to taste with salt.
Makes 4 main-dish salads.