Minestrone Salad

Brighten up your mealtime with this refreshing and hearty Minestrone Salad, the perfect fusion of classic Italian comfort and vibrant summer flavors. Packed with al dente penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp zucchini, and shredded carrots, this dish is elevated further with the protein-rich duo of red kidney beans and cannellini beans. Fresh spinach and chopped basil bring a garden-fresh touch, while a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and garlic ties it all together with a burst of flavor. Sprinkle on grated Parmesan for a savory finish or enjoy it as a wholesome, plant-based meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this colorful pasta salad is ideal for lunch, picnics, or as a light dinner, and can even be made ahead for easy entertaining.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Penne pasta (or small-shaped pasta)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 1 large Carrot, shredded
• 1 cup Red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
• 0.5 cup Basil leaves, chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried oregano

Directions

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, shredded carrot, kidney beans, cannellini beans, spinach leaves, and chopped basil.

Step 3

Prepare the dressing in a small bowl by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.

Step 4

Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture in the mixing bowl.

Step 5

Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6

If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad before serving.

Step 7

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1693.3 grams (1693.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1962

Total Fat 80.30g	103%
Saturated Fat 20.80g	104%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 47mg	16%
Sodium 3414mg	148%
Total Carbohydrate 234.30g	85%
Dietary Fiber 41.10g	147%
Total Sugars 21.20g
Protein 81.30g	163%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1376mg	106%
Iron 19mg	108%
Potassium 3555mg	76%

*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: 36.4%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 47.2%