Black Bean and Orzo Salad

Great side dish but with enough protien to be a main dish. It does not have the usual oil you tend to see in pasta salads. I took this to a potluck and it disappeared. No one missed the oil!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 1  can black beans
• 2  cups fresh green beans, chopped
• 1  cup  red pepper, chopped
• 8  ounces orzo pasta
• 4 -6  ounces  fat free  creamy garlic dressing
•  fresh parsley
•  fresh cilantro
•  salt
•  pepper

Directions

1. Cook orzo according to package directions.
2. Do not cook in oil.
3. Rinse under cold water Clean and cut beans and pepper.
4. Microwave for 60-90 seconds to soften slightly (this better matches the vegetables to the other textures in the salad) Toss together all ingredients.
5. Add more or less spice and dressing to your liking.
6. The flavors will mellow with time.
7. I make this the night before and taste/reseason the next day or right before serving.
8. If you find the flavors harsh, adding a little Splenda helps much like with pasta sauce.