Bean Salad with Fresh Herbs

Ingredients:

1/2 pound  string beans

1 can  navy beans - (20 oz) drained, rinsed = (or 2 1/2 cups cooked abt 1 cup raw)

1 medium  Kirby cucumber thinly sliced

1 small  red bell pepper -- finely diced

2 tablespoons  olive oil
Juice of l/2 lemon or more to taste

1/4 cup  chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup  chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons  minced fresh chives or scallion
Salt -- to taste
Freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste
Dark green lettuce leaves
Cherry tomatoes -- halved

Trim the tips from string beans and snap them in half; steam until tender-crisp, then rinse under cool water. 

Combine with remaining ingredients, except the last two, and toss gently.

Line a serving bowl with several lettuce leaves, then pour in the salad. 

Arrange some cherry tomato halves in a circle around the edge.  Cover and refrigerate until needed or serve at once.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Comments: Kirby cukes are the small, firm type used for pickling.  Substitute 1/2 medium cucumber if unavailable.

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