A fast and tasty southwestern-style cheese and bean salad.

Santa Fe Cheese and Bean Salad with Cilantro Dressing

1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked)
1 small red onion, diced
1 red pepper, cleaned, seeded and slivered
1 green pepper, cleaned, seeded and diced
1 tomato, diced
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup creamy cilantro salad dressing*
6 lettuce leaves

1. In a large bowl, combine beans, onion, red and green pepper and tomato. Add 1/2 cup each Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, reserving 1/4 cup of each cheese for garnish. Pour salad dressing over salad mixture, tossing to coat well.
2. Line 6 plates with lettuce leaves. Top with salad mixture, dividing evenly. Sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top for garnish.

Makes 6 servings.

*You may substitute 1/3 cup ranch-style dressing mixed with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro.

Recipe provided courtesy of The Association For Dressings and Sauces.