Italian Pasta Bean Salad

Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and wholesome Italian Pasta Bean Salad, a perfect fusion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and fresh, nutritious ingredients. Featuring al dente penne or rotini pasta, creamy cannellini beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy black olives, this salad bursts with color and texture in every bite. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic, then finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese, this dish is as delicious as it is nutritious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ideal option for a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a light dinner. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and bold Italian flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Penne or Rotini Pasta
• 400 grams Canned Cannellini Beans
• 200 grams Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 medium Cucumber
• 1 small Red Onion
• 100 grams Black Olives, pitted and sliced
• 15 grams Fresh Basil Leaves
• 60 ml Olive Oil
• 30 ml Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 30 grams Parmesan Cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, rinse the canned cannellini beans under cold water and allow them to drain completely.

Step 3

Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel and dice the cucumber into small cubes. Finely chop the red onion. Set all vegetables aside.

Step 4

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Gently tear the fresh basil leaves and mix them into the salad.

Step 8

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Step 10

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your vibrant and nutritious Italian Pasta Bean Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1407.2 grams (1407.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1674

Total Fat 88.10g	113%
Saturated Fat 18.20g	91%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.40g
Cholesterol 24mg	8%
Sodium 4800mg	209%
Total Carbohydrate 174.60g	63%
Dietary Fiber 32.50g	116%
Total Sugars 16.10g
Protein 54.00g	108%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 717mg	55%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 2430mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.4%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 40.9%