Hearty Three Bean and Broccoli Pasta Salad
This Hearty Three Bean and Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delightful and nutritious all-in-one meal that brings together the flavors of whole grains and vegetables. Perfect for busy days, it can be assembled in under 30 minutes and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. The base of thin spaghetti pairs beautifully with a vibrant three-bean salad and crisp broccoli florets, offering a satisfying texture in every bite. With a versatile vinaigrette dressing, this dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Enjoy it as a quick lunch, a hearty side dish, or a picnic staple – it’s delicious both fresh and chilled, making it a perfect meal prep option for the week ahead.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Three Bean Mix
1 (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
Thin Spaghetti
8 (ounce box)
Frozen Broccoli Spears
10 (ounce package, defrosted and chopped)
Vinaigrette Dressing
1/2 (cup, or to taste)
Fresh Cracked Pepper
to taste
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing 3 quarts of water to a vigorous boil in a large pot.
2
Meanwhile, place the frozen broccoli package in the microwave and defrost for approximately 6-7 minutes until tender.
3
Open the can of three bean mix, drain it thoroughly, and rinse under cold water in a colander to reduce sodium content.
4
Once the water is boiling, add the dry thin spaghetti and cook for 8-9 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
While the pasta cooks, remove the broccoli from the microwave. Chop the stems away from the florets and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. You can also slice the stems to add extra crunch if desired.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli and the rinsed three bean salad.
7
When the pasta is finished cooking, drain it in a colander, then rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Optionally, cut the spaghetti into shorter pieces with kitchen scissors.
8
Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the broccoli and bean salad.
9
In a measuring cup, combine your choice of vinaigrette dressings to equal 1/2 cup. For an additional flavor boost, you might blend different dressings, such as Newman's Light Balsamic Vinaigrette and Kraft Fat-Free Caesar Italian.
10
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Season with fresh cracked pepper and salt to taste; approximately 1.5 tablespoons of salt can help balance the sweetness of the beans.
11
Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. It can be served immediately, but letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Three Bean and Broccoli Pasta Salad?
It is a nutritious and delightful all-in-one meal combining whole grain pasta, three bean salad, and crisp broccoli florets.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire dish can be assembled in under 30 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for an 8-ounce box of thin spaghetti.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Defrost a 10-ounce package of frozen broccoli in the microwave for 6-7 minutes until tender, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use broccoli stems?
Yes, you can slice the stems and add them to the salad for extra crunch.
How should I prepare the canned beans?
Open the 15-ounce can of three bean mix, drain it thoroughly, and rinse under cold water to reduce sodium content.
How long should the spaghetti be cooked?
Cook the thin spaghetti for 8-9 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down before mixing.
Is it helpful to cut the spaghetti?
Optional but recommended: use kitchen scissors to cut the cooked spaghetti into shorter pieces for easier eating.
What kind of dressing is best for this salad?
A vinaigrette dressing is best. You can use 1/2 cup of your favorite brand or blend different types.
What is a good dressing combination?
A blend of Newman's Light Balsamic Vinaigrette and Kraft Fat-Free Caesar Italian offers a great flavor boost.
How much salt is suggested?
Approximately 1.5 tablespoons of salt is recommended to help balance the sweetness of the bean salad.
Should I add pepper?
Yes, add fresh cracked pepper to taste.
Can I eat this salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately, though chilling it first is often preferred.
How long should the salad chill?
Letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will enhance the overall flavors.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a perfect meal prep option as it stays delicious when chilled and lasts throughout the week.
Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can be customized with your choice of additional proteins.
Is this salad high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of beans, whole grain pasta, and broccoli makes it high in fiber.
What makes this a 'hearty' salad?
The inclusion of protein-rich beans and filling pasta makes it a satisfying one-dish meal.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli; simply steam or blanch it until tender before adding to the salad.
What size bean can is needed?
The recipe specifies one 15-ounce can of three bean mix.
How much dressing do I need?
Use 1/2 cup of vinaigrette dressing, or adjust to your personal taste.
Is this a good picnic food?
Yes, its ability to be served cold makes it a staple for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
How much water do I need to boil the pasta?
Bring 3 quarts of water to a vigorous boil in a large pot.
What are the main nutritional benefits?
The dish is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the vegetables and beans.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely, you can add any of your favorite vegetables to increase the nutrient density.
What texture can I expect?
The salad offers a satisfying mix of soft pasta, hearty beans, and crisp broccoli.
Is the salt amount mandatory?
No, salt should be added to your personal taste, though a bit helps balance the canned bean flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients: bean mix, spaghetti, frozen broccoli, vinaigrette, salt, and pepper.