Tomato Basil and Bean Pasta Salad

Beans, tomatoes, and basil are mixed with pasta and a tasty vinaigrette to give you a easy and tasty meal. Bring this pasta salad to your next cookout or gathering. Add whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Makes

12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (ziti, bow tie or other shaped pasta)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or cooking oil of your choice)
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 3 large tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
• 1 cup kidney beans (cooked or low-sodium canned drained, or try garbanzo beans or black beans)
• mozzarella cheese, fat-free (cubed or shredded cheese, optional)
• walnuts (chopped, optional)

Directions

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, and pepper to make vinaigrette.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, beans, basil, and tomatoes. Pour vinaigrette over top and toss together. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
5. If desired, add nuts and cheese just before serving, tossing again to combine.

Notes

Optional ingredients, walnuts and mozzarella, are not included in nutrition analysis and cost estimate. Add other fresh chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, small summer squash, carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower. Use your favorite salad dressing instead of making your own. Learn more about: Tomatoes Herbs