Crunchy Bean Sprout Salad

Many people have not ever tried a bean sprout in their life - and I cannot believe that!! Bean sprouts are deliciously crunchy, full of vitamins, and an excellent addition to salads and stir-fries. Here is a little side salad I came up with the other day when I saw that the bean sprouts that I had bought were on the last day or so of use before they became wilted and sad looking. In case you are unfamiliar with the term "julienne" it just means cutting your veggies up into fine little strips like matchsticks. Similar to a coleslaw. Hoisin sauce is an Asian condiment, similar to soy sauce but very thick and kind of sweet. A bottle will go a long way, and is a wonderful addition to rice dishes, stir-fries, meat marinades, etc.

Bean Sprout Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups of bean sprouts
1 cup of each of the following vegetables - julienned
celery
carrots
cucumber
red or white onion

Dressing:

1/2 cup zesty Italian dressing
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
dash of  hot sauce (optional)
cracked pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl combine all of your veggies. In a separate bowl make your dressing by whisking the ingredients together until well incorporated. Keep the salad and dressing separate until ready to serve. If you dress your salad too early - you will draw out all the moisture of your vegetables and it makes it kind of watery. I would say 20 minutes before serving time is ideal to dress your salad :)