Really Simple Pasta & Bean Salad
Submitted by wonderwoma
Pasta and white bean salad with roasted red peppers, pesto, and light mayonnaise dressing. A quick, protein-packed cold salad that comes together in under 30 minutes.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
25 minCOOK
15 minREADY
40 minThis pasta salad is built for speed. Rotini, canned white beans, and diced roasted red peppers get tossed in a creamy pesto-mayonnaise dressing sharpened with white wine vinegar. No marinating, no chilling required. Mix and serve.
The white beans do more than add protein. They absorb the dressing and become little flavor sponges, making every bite creamy and seasoned. The roasted red peppers bring a smoky sweetness that plays against the herby pesto and tangy vinegar.
Using light mayonnaise keeps the dressing from being heavy, and the pesto carries the flavor instead. You can use basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto, depending on which direction you want to lean.
Kitchen Tips
- Rinse the canned beans well and drain thoroughly. Starchy bean liquid thins the dressing and makes the salad cloudy.
- Cook the pasta to al dente. Overcooked pasta gets mushy in a cold salad, especially once dressed.
- Toss the pasta with the dressing while still slightly warm. Warm pasta absorbs more flavor from the dressing than cold.
- Jarred roasted red peppers save time and work just as well as homemade for this salad.
Variations
- Mediterranean: Add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta for a Greek-inspired version.
- Tuna boost: Stir in a drained can of tuna for a heartier, complete-meal salad.
- Arugula finish: Toss in a handful of fresh arugula just before serving for a peppery, green bite.
Ingredients
Directions
- Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the pasta and cook Drain.
- Combine the pasta with the beans and bell peppers.
- Combine the mayonnaise, pesto, vinegar or lemon juice, salt Stir into the salad. Stir in the parsley if using and serve. Note: Roasted red bell peppers can be purchased already prepared; major supermarkets often stock them with other condiments.
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