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.
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, shredded carrot, kidney beans, cannellini beans, spinach leaves, and chopped basil.
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.
Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture in the mixing bowl.
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad before serving.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1962 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.3 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 47 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 3414 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 234.3 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.1 g | 147% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.2 g | ||
| Protein | 81.3 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1376 mg | 106% | |
| Iron | 19.4 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 3554 mg | 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.
