THREE BEAN RICE SALAD

This probably doesn't qualify as vintage but I have had it since the 1980s.

1 can cut wax beans, drained
1 can French-style green beans, drained
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups minute rice
Lettuce leaves for serving

In a large bowl, combine the beans, salad dressing, onion, half the salt, and the pepper. Set mixture aside to allow the flavors to blend.

Meanwhile, bring water and remaining half of the salt to a full boil in a medium saucepan that has a lid; stir in the rice. Place lid on pan, remove from heat and allow to stand for 5 minutes.

Fold the rice into the bean mixture; cover and chill thoroughly.

Serve in a lettuce leaf lined bowl.

Yield: 6 servings