Simple Marinated Beans

Mix up your favorite beans with fresh herbs and a vinaigrette, and you've got a great way to add protein to a meal. Adapted from The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet.

Serves: 6

• Two 15- to 16-ounce cans black, pinto, or pink beans, or black-eyed peas
  (or a combination of two kinds), drained and rinsed, or 3 ½ to 4 cups cooked beans
• ¼ to ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro,
  or a combination (you can also add a little fresh dill to this mix)
• 2 to 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup natural low-fat vinaigrette, homemade or store-bought
• Juice of ½ to 1 lemon, to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine the ingredients in a serving container and toss well. Cover and marinate an hour or two, refrigerated. Stir up once in a while. Serve as a cold side dish on its own, or mix into a green salad.

• Explore Bean Salads for more easy, tasty ideas.