Serves 4-6

Free of: All top allergens except mustard and gluten-free.
Packed with: Soluble fibre, protein, iron, B vitamins, folate and more.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950 mL) cooked brown rice
• 1 can each, Borlotti, pinto and Cannellini beans*, drained and rinsed OR 1 ½ cups (375 mL) cooked dry beans (Pre-soak according to package directions.)
• 1 cup (250 mL) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 cup (250 mL) celery, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup (250 mL) cucumber, diced
• 1 apple, diced

Dressing

• 1 cup (250 mL) olive oil
• ½ cup (125 mL) white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) brown sugar
• 1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard [Look for allergen-free brands]
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeds and skin removed
• 1 jalepeño pepper, halved, seeds removed
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh oregano
• 2 green onions, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp (5 mL) each, salt and pepper

Method

1.  Combine all salad ingredients.
2.  For dressing, place all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high for 30-40 seconds.
3.  Pour dressing over salad, toss. (This salad can be made up to an hour in advance.)

*Note: It’s fine to substitute other beans of your liking. Beans come in a wide variety of healthy choices.

Recipe by Simon Clarke

First published in Allergic Living’s Spring 2009 magazine.
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