Pasta Salad With Kidney Beans And Corn
Summer is here, and it's time to whip up some delicious and healthy dishes for those outdoor gatherings and picnics. One of the easiest and most versatile recipes to make is a pasta salad with kidney beans and corn. This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, and it's perfect for a filling lunch or a side dish for your barbecue.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need:
- 1 pound of pasta (your choice of shape)
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of corn, drained
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious pasta salad with kidney beans and corn:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, kidney beans, corn, chopped onion, chopped bell peppers, and parsley.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss until everything is coated evenly.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Variations
This pasta salad recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some protein: You can add some cooked chicken, turkey, or shrimp to this pasta salad to make it even more filling and satisfying.
- Switch up the veggies: While this recipe calls for red and green bell peppers, you can use any veggies you like. Try adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots for some extra color and crunch.
- Make it vegan: If you want to make this recipe vegan, simply omit the honey and use a vegan-friendly pasta.
- Spice it up: If you like your food with a bit of a kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dressing.
Conclusion
Pasta salad with kidney beans and corn is a simple, healthy, and delicious recipe that's perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. It's packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, and it's incredibly versatile. Whether you're a meat-eater, a vegan, or somewhere in between, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking!