Recipe: Mixed bean salad

Dietitian's tip: Beans are a good way to add fiber to your diet, especially soluble fiber. Generally, 1 cup of cooked beans provides 9 to 13 grams of fiber. The soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol. Beans are also high in protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.

High fiber = at least 5 g of fiber per serving

Healthy carb = whole fruits & vegetables, at least 50% whole grains and no more than 1 tsp of sugar per serving

Low sodium = no more than 140 mg of sodium per serving

Low fat = no more than 3 g of fat per serving

SERVES 8

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) unsalted green beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) unsalted wax beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) unsalted kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) unsalted garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped white onion
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup cider vinegar
Sugar substitute, if desired

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the beans and onions. Stir gently to mix evenly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice and vinegar. Add sugar substitute for desired sweetness.

Pour the orange juice mixture over the bean mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Let stand 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Analysis

(per serving)

Serving size: 3/4 cup
Calories	130	Cholesterol	0 mg
Protein	7 g	Sodium	110 mg
Carbohydrate	25 g	Fiber	7 g
Total fat	0 g	Potassium	397 mg
Saturated fat	0 g	Calcium	65 mg
Monounsaturated fat	0 g