Broccoli & Black Bean Salad with a Citrus-Vinegar Dressing

For the record, my kids (ages 2 1/2 & 8 1/2) are not wild about this salad.  They DO, however, LOVE plain broccoli; so when I make this, I just cut up some extra broccoli for them.  ;)  As much as I wish they loved this salad, just the fact that they love plain broccoli is enough for me & it means YAY!  More salad for me!!  :)  This never lasts nearly long enough, even if I am the only one eating it...

Salad Ingredients:
1 c dried organic black beans, cooked & cooled; yield: 2 c cooked black beans
8 cups broccoli, diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 organic apple, cored & diced, I like to leave the skin on (chose your favorite apple - mine is Cameo)
1/4 c toasted pine nuts

Combine all salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Dressing Ingredients:
2 tbsps local honey (vegan option: use vegan sweetener of your choice)
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 c low fat, plain organic yogurt (vegan option: use vegan yogurt)
juice of 1 naval orange
juice of 1 lime

Add all dressing ingredients in small bowl.  Combine well with wisk.

Pour the dressing over the salad.  Using a spoon or spatula, combine well.  Transfer to container with tight-fitting lid.  This salad is best after it's allowed to sit for several hours.  Place in fridge.  Shake occasionally - this is why a tight-fitting lid is a must!  Let sit at least 3-4 hours before serving.  I find this is really better after one day.

Variations on the salad:
Try a hand-full of raisins, currants, or other dried fruit.
Substitute diced pears for apples.
Try substituting toasted pecans, walnuts, or other nuts for the pine nuts.
Try switching out 1/2 of the black beans for long grain wild rice, quinoa, or another grain.
Substitute red/purple or sweet vidalia onions for yellow onions.

Variations on the dressing:
Experiment with different types of vinegar: balsamic, red wine, apple cider, etc.
Add 1-2 tbsp of your favorite mustard.
Add the juice of 1 lemon instead of lime.

The possibilites are nearly endless!  Have fun!  Happy Cooking!  :)

Enjoy!