BLACK BEAN AND BELL PEPPER SALAD

Black Bean and Bell Pepper Salad image

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

Vinaigrette
1/2 cup water
16 dates (about 4 ounces), pitted, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons honey
4 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons ground coriander
Salad
4 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed, drained
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

For Vinaigrette:
Boil water and dates in heavy small saucepan for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour to soften.
Transfer date mixture to blender. Add lime juice, oil, oregano, honey, cumin and coriander and purée. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand 1 hour at room temperature before using.)
For salad:
Combine beans, bell peppers, onion and parsley in large bowl. Toss with enough vinaigrette to coat. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)