Italian Style Black Bean Salad

A simple salad of black beans, garlic, chopped zucchini, tomato and mini cubes of mozzarella tossed in Italian salad dressing.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium zucchini, unpeeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 to 1/2 cup prepared Italian salad dressing
1 cup tomato, chopped
1 cup (about 4 ounces) mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, cut into small cubes
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Place beans, zucchini, garlic, and dressing in a medium, non-reactive bowl (glass is best). Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours to allow time for the flavors to blend.
2. Add tomato and cheese just before serving. Toss lightly. Serve on a bed of lettuce.

Makes 4 servings.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with thick slices of lightly buttered Italian bread sprinkles with garlic salt.

Recipe provided courtesy The Michigan Bean Commission.