Black Bean & Mandarin Orange Salad

The following recipe was shared at my Caribbean dinner event. You can read about it and get additional Caribbean recipes from the event HERE.

1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup, undrained
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup (2 ounces) diced Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 teaspoon bottled minced fresh garlic
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups finely shredded lettuce

Drain oranges, reserving 1 1/2 tablespoons syrup; set oranges aside. Combine the syrup, vinegar, and the next 5 ingredients (vinegar through pepper); stir with a wire whisk until blended. Add oranges, cheese, red onion, garlic, and beans; stir well. Serve on lettuce-lined plates.