Summer Fresh White Bean Garden Salad

Too long of a name for a simple salad?


...


Nah.


The name completely befits it.

This morning Bundle and I ventured out to our community garden and gathered all (and then some) we could carry, including green beans, yellow, red and baby tomatoes, green peppers, butternut squash, a GORGEOUS bouquet of flowers, and even a tiny potato. :)

This salad is completely original. I had no idea what it would taste like, but I knew I wanted lunch to taste fresh. {If you aren't a gardener, or don't know someone who is and shares, don't worry! Find your nearest farmer's market, Walmart, or Dillons!}

Though I encourage it, I almost never call for using only fresh in the recipes I create. (I can't afford to be a produce snob.) Today is different. The freshness of the produce completely makes this salad. The vinaigrette is tangy and citrusy, the herbs are refreshing, and the white beans and baby tomatoes nicely balance all the flavors.

This turned into a make-again(-soon!) in our house.

Summer Fresh White Bean Garden Salad

Ingredients:

2 small green bell peppers or sweet peppers, julienned
1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
1/4 quartered baby tomatoes
1 c. packed baby spinach leaves
1 can of Great Northern white beans
1 tsp. fresh diced thyme
1 tsp. fresh diced basil

1 lime
1/8 c. olive oil
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. salt



Instructions:

After washing and chopping all veggies and herbs, toss together in a large bowl. Drain and rinse beans and add to bowl.

In a small measuring cup combine the oil and vinegar. Slice lime in half and squeeze all the juice you can out of both halves into the measuring cup with the oil and vinegar. Pour entire mixture over the salad. Grind the pepper and sprinkle the salt over the salad, and toss well, incorporating all ingredients together well with the vinaigrette.

Enjoy with life!  <3