Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and refreshing Cannellini Bowtie Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This Italian-inspired dish combines the delightful shapes of bowtie pasta with creamy cannellini beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty red onion, all tossed in a luscious balsamic dressing. Whether you're planning a summer picnic, a family gathering, or just a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Drain and rinse the 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans under cold water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Set aside.
- Next, wash and halve the 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the 1/2 cup of red onion finely and add it to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- Add the cooled bowtie pasta to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture in the large bowl. Add the drained cannellini beans and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure even seasoning.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a bit if you prefer a chilled salad.
- Serve the Cannellini Bowtie Pasta Salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: For the best texture, make sure to cook the bowtie pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, which will help it hold up well in the salad.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to sit for at least 5 minutes after mixing, or refrigerate it for a little while. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even olives to personalize your salad according to your taste preferences.
- Dressing Variation: If you want to switch things up, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of Italian herbs to the dressing for an extra flavor kick.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it will taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Serve Cold or at Room Temperature: This dish is versatile! You can serve it cold straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature for a more relaxed dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
