Lemon-Herb Spinach and Pinto Bean Salad

This salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer. The combination of spinach, pinto beans, red onion, celery, and bell pepper is crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet. The lemon-herb dressing adds a bright and herbaceous flavor that brings the salad together. This salad is easy to make and can be served immediately or chilled for later.

This salad was inspired by a trip to the farmers market. I was looking for a way to use up some fresh spinach and pinto beans that I had bought, and I came up with this recipe. I wanted to create a salad that was both healthy and flavorful, and I think this one fits the bill. The spinach provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals, the pinto beans add protein and fiber, and the red onion, celery, and bell pepper add crunch and flavor. The lemon-herb dressing is the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright and herbaceous flavor that brings the salad together.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Fresh baby spinach
• Canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• Red onion, finely sliced
• Celery, finely diced
• Red bell pepper, finely diced
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley and dill, chopped
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, pinto beans, red onion, celery, and bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, parsley, dill, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The combination of spinach, pinto beans, red onion, celery, and bell pepper provides a variety of textures and flavors.
• The lemon-herb dressing is bright and herbaceous, and it brings the salad together.
• This salad is easy to make and can be served immediately or chilled for later.