Tomato Basil and Bean Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup Ziti pasta or bow tie pasta
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp Vinegar
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 cup Tomatoes coarsely chopped
• 1 cup Kidney beans, cooked or low-sodium canned drained, or try garbanzo beans or black beans
• 1 tbsp Mozzarella cheese, fat-free (or provolone cheese, cubed or shredded, optional)
• 2 tbsp Walnuts (chopped, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, and pepper to make vinaigrette.
3. 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.
4. If desired, add nuts and cheese just before serving, tossing again to combine.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips