Have you had black beans lately? They are a good staple to keep on hand. Black beans are low in fat, cholesterol free, and provide 30% of the daily recommended amount of fiber. This recipe is a very basic but tasty rice salad recipe using black beans. Hope you enjoy.

- ½ cup chopped onion

- ½ cup chopped green orred bell pepper- 1 cup cooked andcooled brown or whiterice- 1 can (15 ounce)drained and rinsed blackbeans- ¼ cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar or lemon juice- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)- 1 cup chopped clove garlic or ½ teaspoon garlicpowder- ½ teaspoon salt- ¼ teaspoon pepper- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil1. In a mixing bowl, stir together onion, red orgreen pepper, rice and beans.2. In a jar with a tight fitting lid, add vinegar,dry mustard, garlic, salt, pepper and vegetable oil.Shake until dressing is evenly mixed.3. Pour dressing over bean mixture and stir to mixevenly. Chill for at least one hour. Serve cold as aside dish or main dish.- Instead of making a dressing, you might substitute 1/3 cup of your favorite oil and vinegar dressing. - Add chopped tomatoes, right before serving- Add finely chopped cucumbers or other veggiesyour family likes