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Three Bean Protein Pasta Salad - A Hearty, Make-Ahead Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta: 12 ounces short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne). Whole wheat or chickpea pasta works great.
  • Beans: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
  • Crunchy veg: 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1/2 small red onion (finely diced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved).
  • Herbs: 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley and/or cilantro; 2 tablespoons fresh dill or basil (optional).
  • Briny bites: 1/2 cup sliced olives or chopped pepperoncini (optional).
  • Extras for substance: 1/2 cup crumbled feta or diced mozzarella (optional), 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional).
  • Dressing: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 large garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, usually 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking.
  2. Dry it well. Shake the colander to remove excess water, then spread pasta on a sheet pan or large bowl to steam-dry. This helps the dressing cling instead of sliding off.
  3. Make the dressing. In a jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon, garlic, honey, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until emulsified. Taste and adjust acidity or salt.
  4. Prep the mix-ins. Rinse and drain all three beans. Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion; halve the tomatoes. Chop herbs. Pat beans and veggies dry if very wet to avoid watering down the dressing.
  5. Toss it together. In a large bowl, add pasta, beans, veggies, and herbs. Pour over two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently to coat. Add olives, cheese, and seeds if using.
  6. Let it settle. Rest for 10–15 minutes so flavors meld. Taste, then add the remaining dressing, more lemon, or salt as needed.
  7. Serve or chill. Serve at room temperature for best flavor, or chill for 30–60 minutes if you prefer it cold.