Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing

Name: Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 1 garlic clove, peeled and halved; 1/2 cup molasses; 3 tablespoons cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon prepared mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; 3 cups cubed cooked turkey breast; 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained; 1 medium green pepper, diced; 2 celery ribs, diced; 1 cup chopped sweet onion; 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley; Lettuce leaves, optional

This salad is a welcome alternative to the usual post-Thanksgiving fare. It's a tasty main dish loaded with good-for-you protein.—Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Ingredients

1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 garlic clove, peeled and halved
1/2 cup molasses
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium green pepper, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Lettuce leaves, optional

Directions

Drain tomatoes, reserving 2 tablespoons oil. Place garlic and tomatoes in a food processor; cover and process until chopped. Add the molasses, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper and reserved oil. Cover and process until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, beans, green pepper, celery, onion and parsley. Add dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If desired, serve with lettuce leaves.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/3 cups: 379 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

Originally published as Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing in Taste of Home November 2011