MANDARIN ORANGE AND CUCUMBER BEAN SALAD

MANDARIN ORANGE AND CUCUMBER BEAN SALAD

in a ginger garlic sweet onion vinaigrette!

Makes 6-1/2 cups

1/2 jumbo sweet onion, cut crosswise into thin quarter rings

3 T. fresh ginger matchsticks; peel a segment of ginger, slice thinly into slabs, then stack and cut into very thin sticks, matchstick size

2 T. finely chopped fresh garlic

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 t. salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 t. dried dill weed

2/3 c. red wine vinegar

1/3 c. light brown sugar

2, 14 oz. cans mandarin orange segments, drained

2, 15 oz. cans pinto beans with liquid

juice of 1 lime

1 lg. cucumber, peeled, cut in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds with tip of a teaspoon, then cut into 1/2 inch cubes

In large mixing bowl combine all ingredients, stirring gently after each addition.

Serve as a side or main dish salad in lettuce cups, with toasted garlic bread as an accompaniment.

Notes: Not many bean salads, no matter how tasty, fit the classification of elegant. This, however, is one of them.