Pinto Bean Salad With Watercress or Arugula

This simple salad pairs pinto beans with super-nutritious watercress or baby arugula. It's an easy way to boost the protein content of meals, and is a great choice for the lunch box as well as outdoor meals and picnics. Photos by Evan Atlas.

Serves: 4

Dressing

• ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Salad

• 15- to 16-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ bunch watercress leaves, with some chopped stem, or 3 to 4 big handfuls baby arugula
• 2 medium firm ripe tomatoes, finely diced
• 1 large celery stalk, finely diced
• ⅓ cup chopped green olives
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, or ½ teaspoon dried

In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together.

Combine the salad ingredients in a serving bowl and toss together.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until mixed, or pass the dressing around on the side. Serve at once.

Nutrition information
Per serving: Calories: 113;  Total fat: 3g;  Protein: 4g;  Carbs: 17g; Sodium: 102 mg

• Go to Picnic Pleasures for a complete picnic menu and tips.
• Explore Bean Salads for more easy, tasty ideas.
• Find more ways to make Special Occasions and Entertaining easier and healthier.