Pasta Bean Salad
Packed with protein, fiber, fresh vegetables, and mozzarella, this Pasta Bean Salad is hearty enough for lunch but versatile enough for cookouts and dinner side dishes.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 8 ounces protein or chickpea pasta (elbows or ditalini)
- 2 (15 ounce) cans beans (white beans, kidney or garbanzo)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella)
- 1 heaping cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 large bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, basil, dill, or chives (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 tablepoons olive oil
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic microplaned or very finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. NOTE: Make sure not to over-cook to avoid mushy pasta!
- Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl or jar until well combined.
- Add the cooled pasta, beans, mozzarella cheese, veggies, olives, and herbs to a large serving bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is evenly coasted. Taste test and add additional seasonings if needed.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy as it sits in the dressing.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and lets it cool quickly.
- Make ahead. Toss the pasta again before serving to distribute any dressing that settled on the bottom of the bowl.
- Nutritional information: Calculated based on 8 side servings, but this could serve up to 6 as a larger portion. Nutrition information varies depending on the pasta, beans, and ingredients used.
Nutrition
Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1044IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 185mg | Iron: 3mg
