Transform Your Jar of Beans into a Delicious Salad: A Brilliant and Easy Recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 jar (15 oz) of your favorite beans (chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, etc.), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove, minced)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Veggies: Start by draining and rinsing your beans, then set them aside. Chop all your vegetables (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper) into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the beans, chopped veggies, and fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
4. Optional Add-ins: Sprinkle crumbled feta on top for a creamy touch, or add avocado slices for extra richness.
5. Chill & Serve: For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy as a side dish or a healthy lunch!

This recipe is not only quick but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect go-to meal!