As a vegetarian nutritionist I get asked all the time, "how do you get enough protein?" Well I'll start by saying you don't need as much protein as we have been led to believe! However you need a few varied sources of protein as a vegetarian and beans and lentils are one of them. This bean salad can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or it can be served over greens like baby spinach or kale. It's delicious and a great source for healthy protein.
Ingredients: 1 can each drained and rinsed chick peas, red kidney beans, cannellini or navy beans, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 Tbs olive oil, 2 Tbs rice wine vinegar, 1/4c fresh chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and 1-2 Tbs fresh squeezed lemon juice.
Instructions: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, lemon juice and garlic for dressing. Toss all beans together in the dressing, top with parsley and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Note: I usually add finely chopped cucumber and diced red pepper and if you eat cheese, feta is really good on top as well!