Black Bean And Bell Pepper Salad With Date Dressing Recipes

FRESH BLACK BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• In a large serving bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss to combine. Taste, and adjust as necessary until the flavors really pop-I usually add another teaspoon or two of vinegar (you can use lime juice instead, for more mild flavor) and another 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Cover and chill to enhance the flavors-preferably for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Serve in individual bowls as is, or with any of the garnishes listed. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days or so; you might want to wake up the flavors with an extra squeeze of lime juice or tiny splash of vinegar.

FIESTA BLACK BEAN BELL PEPPER SKILLET

Steps:

• In a large non stick skillet sauté onions until they soften. Add peppers and seasonings and sauté until peppers are almost tender. Add tomatoes, beans, corn and lime juice. Cover and let simmer until tomatoes are soft but not mushy.
• Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream.
• As an alternative, once the peppers are tender transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, mix in the remaining ingredients, cover with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese melts.

BLACK BEAN AND BELL PEPPER SALAD

Steps:

• For Vinaigrette:
• Boil water and dates in heavy small saucepan for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour to soften.
• Transfer date mixture to blender. Add lime juice, oil, oregano, honey, cumin and coriander and purée. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand 1 hour at room temperature before using.)
• For salad:
• Combine beans, bell peppers, onion and parsley in large bowl. Toss with enough vinaigrette to coat. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)