Beans and pasta salad is one of those dishes that can be anything you want it to be: a quick lunch, a tasty side dish, or even a complete meal. Plus, adding beans is a great way to sneak some extra fiber and plant-based protein into your diet.
This article will explore a variety of beans and pasta salad recipes and customization options to help you create the perfect dish for any occasion.
Why beans and pasta salad is so great
Beans and pasta salad is a dish that’s super easy to customize to your liking. You can swap out the veggies, herbs, and dressings to put your own personal spin on it. There are all kinds of pasta to choose from, like fusilli, penne, shells, or classic macaroni.
It’s also a dish that’s easy to make using ingredients you can find anywhere. Canned beans are great if you’re in a hurry, and dry beans give you a deeper, earthier flavor.
Beans and pasta salad is good for you, too. The beans add fiber and plant-based protein, while the veggies give you vitamins and minerals. It’s easy to make a vegan or vegetarian version with vegan feta cheese.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Bean and Pasta Salad
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a bean and pasta salad that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe:
Pasta
Short pasta shapes are the best for this salad, because they’re easy to eat and hold the other ingredients well. Good options include fusilli, penne, rotini, and small shells. Using tri-color pasta can make the salad look extra pretty.
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it’s firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy in the salad. Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Beans
You can use just about any kind of bean in this salad, but some of the most popular choices are kidney beans, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), Great Northern beans, and butter beans. Drain and rinse canned beans to remove any excess salt.
Veggies
Lots of different vegetables taste great in bean and pasta salad. Some of the best options are Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, green onions, black olives, roasted red peppers, spinach, and green beans. Blanching green beans before adding them to the salad will help them stay bright green and crisp.
Cheese
Feta cheese or vegan feta crumbles make a nice addition to this salad.
Dressings and Flavor Enhancers
The dressing is where the magic really happens in a beans and pasta salad. It’s what ties all those diverse ingredients together and elevates the dish from simple to spectacular. Here’s how to nail it:
Vinaigrette Basics
A basic vinaigrette is easy to whisk up and provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the beans and pasta. The key components are:
- Olive oil (extra virgin is best!)
- Vinegar (red wine, apple cider, or balsamic all work well)
- Herbs (Italian herbs, parsley, basil)
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper
To emulsify the dressing (that is, get the oil and vinegar to stay together), whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender. A little Dijon mustard can also help stabilize the emulsion.
Unique Dressing Ideas
Want to kick things up a notch? Try these variations:
- Use the bean cooking liquid (cooled) in place of some of the vinegar for a richer, beanier flavor.
- Add a splash of olive juice for extra saltiness and depth.
- Brighten things up with fresh lemon juice.
- Finely minced shallots add a subtle oniony bite.
Herb and Spice Combinations
The right herbs and spices can transform your salad. Consider these pairings:
- Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary) for a classic Italian flavor
- Fresh parsley and basil for a vibrant, summery taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Putting together your beans and pasta salad
Making a beans and pasta salad is quick and easy. Here’s how it’s done:
- Cook your pasta according to the package directions, then give it time to cool.
- Make your dressing.
- Chop your vegetables and any other ingredients you want to add.
- Toss everything together in a large bowl until it’s well combined.
If you’re using tomatoes, you might want to marinate them in the dressing before you add them to the rest of the salad.
Serving suggestions
Beans and pasta salad can be a side dish, a light lunch, or a light dinner. Serve it at room temperature, or chill it for a while before serving.
If you want to add more protein to make it a heartier meal, consider adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storage and meal prep
Beans and pasta salad stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you’re using greens, it’s best to store them separately to keep them crisp.
This salad is also great for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long!
Wrapping Up
Bean and pasta salad is one of the most versatile and crowd-pleasing dishes you can make. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different beans, pasta shapes, veggies, herbs, and dressings to create your own signature version.
It’s an easy, healthy, and satisfying option for lunch, dinner, or a potluck.