Mediterranean Black Bean Salad with Peppers 🌿🥗

This vibrant and hearty salad is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect dish for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch. The combination of black beans, colorful bell peppers, and fresh herbs brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your plate!

Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing twist, and consider pairing it with grilled chicken or falafel for a complete meal. 🌍✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, mint, and feta cheese (if using). Toss gently to combine.

   🥗 Make sure to rinse the black beans well to remove any excess sodium and preserve their texture!

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

   🧄 Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your personal taste—a little more lemon for brightness or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity!

3. Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated.

4. Chill and serve: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it cold or at room temperature.

   🍅 This salad can be made a day in advance! Just wait to add the herbs and feta until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick! 🌶️
• Protein-Packed: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa to make this salad a complete meal.
• Grain Bowl: Serve over a bed of cooked couscous or quinoa for a satisfying grain bowl.
• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a creamy vegan cheese alternative or avocado for creaminess.

Enjoy this Mediterranean Black Bean Salad as a hearty side or a light main course that promises to delight your taste buds! 🌞🥙