Rice and Bean Salad

Servings:Makes 7 servingsServing Size:1 1/2 cupsRecipe Cost:$14.01Cost per Serving:$2.00

Ingredients:
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or any type)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- *3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- Salad:
- 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups fresh, canned, or frozen corn
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 3 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional)
Directions:
- Wash hands with warm water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse cilantro and jalapeno under cool running water and pat to dry.
- In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk red wine vinegar, mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add the vegetable oil while whisking vigorously until evenly combined.
- Add black beans, chickpeas, corn, rice, red onion, cilantro, spinach, and jalapeno (if using). Gently toss until dressing evenly coats salad.
- You can eat the salad immediately. For the best flavor, though, allow it to sit in the fridge for at least one hour.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours.
Source: Jeannie Noble, RD, Extension Specialist for Nutrition, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
Nutrition facts per serving: 350 calories; 18g total fat; 1.5g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 0mg cholesterol; 370mg sodium; 39g total carbohydrate; 7g dietary fiber; 4g total sugars; 0g added sugars; 10g protein; 0% Daily Value of vitamin D; 6% Daily Value of calcium; 15% Daily Value of iron; 18% Daily Value of potassium