Spinach Black Bean Salad
This recipe uses the powerhouse green spinach! It is a nutrient packed salad bursting with color and texture. It is easy to prepare and makes a quick lunch option or a side dish at dinner. You can also get your children involved in making this dish! It is a great way to bond together over food and a wonderful educational experience. Here are a few ways they can help out:
Washing Spinach - Have children assist in washing the fresh spinach leaves under cold water. Show them how to gently pat dry the leaves dry with a clean kitchen or paper towel.
Measuring Ingredients - Let youth help measure out the liquid and dry ingredients of the recipe. This enhances fine motor skills and helps them learn about measurements.
Mixing the Dressing - Once all of the ingredients are combined children can help shake or stir the mixture together. They get to see the process of the mixture come together.
Assembling the Salad - After all the ingredients are prepared, they can help assemble the salad adding the vegetables and beans to a large bowl.
Involving youth in the preparation process, not only are you creating lasting memories together in the kitchen, you’re also instilling important cooking skills fostering a love for healthy eating from a young age. Enjoy making this spinach and black bean salad together as a family!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups fresh spinach, washed & drained
1 can low sodium black beans, drained & rinsed
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
Instructions
In a large bowl combine vinegar, oil, mustard, garlic, oregano, and basil. Shake or stir to mix together.
Chop spinach to desired size.
Add spinach, black beans, tomatoes, and onions to large bowl. Toss with dressing and serve.
