Zesty Mediterranean Farfalle Pasta Salad
This Zesty Mediterranean Farfalle Pasta Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with flavors from roasted red peppers, fresh parsley, and cannellini beans, this salad provides a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The sweet and tangy red wine vinegar dressing complements the ingredients beautifully, ensuring a refreshing light meal that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this pasta salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
farfalle pasta
6 cups (uncooked)
roasted red peppers
1 (7 ounce) container (drained and sliced into strips)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
red wine vinegar
1/3 cup
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
olive oil
2/3 cup
cannellini beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
red kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the farfalle pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil for about 11 to 12 minutes, or until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set it aside to drain thoroughly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted red peppers (or pimientos), finely chopped onion, and fresh parsley.
3
Pour in the red wine vinegar and add the minced garlic. Allow the mixture to stand for approximately 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4
Gradually stir in the olive oil, whisking until everything is well combined.
5
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl, along with the rinsed cannellini beans and red kidney beans. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mediterranean Farfalle Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring farfalle pasta, roasted red peppers, cannellini beans, and red kidney beans tossed in a red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for farfalle pasta, which is also commonly known as bow-tie pasta.
How long does it take to cook the farfalle pasta?
The pasta should be boiled in salted water for approximately 11 to 12 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What beans are included in this salad?
This salad includes both cannellini beans and red kidney beans, both of which should be drained and rinsed before adding.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process immediately and cools it down, which is essential for a cold pasta salad.
Can I use something other than roasted red peppers?
Yes, you can substitute the roasted red peppers with a 7-ounce container of pimientos if preferred.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is made from red wine vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How long should the vinegar and garlic mixture sit before adding oil?
The mixture of vinegar, garlic, onions, peppers, and parsley should stand for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this Mediterranean pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal by-products.
How much olive oil is required for the recipe?
You will need 2/3 cup of olive oil to create the dressing.
Should the salad be served immediately?
No, it is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
Can I add salt and pepper to taste?
Yes, you should season the salad with salt and pepper to your personal preference before refrigerating.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a refreshing light meal or as a side dish at picnics and potlucks.
How much uncooked pasta do I need?
The recipe requires 6 cups of uncooked farfalle pasta.
How much onion is used in the salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What type of vinegar is used?
Red wine vinegar is used to provide the signature tangy flavor of the dressing.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbaceous flavor and color; 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley is recommended.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for advance preparation since the flavors develop further as it sits in the refrigerator.
What is the texture of the pasta salad?
It features a delightful combination of textures from the tender pasta, soft beans, and slightly crunchy onions and peppers.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
Does this salad contain any dairy?
Based on the provided ingredients, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How many cans of beans are required?
You will need two 15-ounce cans: one of cannellini beans and one of red kidney beans.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include Mediterranean, pasta salad, farfalle, light meal, beans, healthy recipe, and vegetarian.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, its vibrant appearance and hearty ingredients make it perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
Can I use different types of beans?
While cannellini and kidney beans are suggested, you could potentially use chickpeas or great northern beans as substitutes.
How should the roasted red peppers be prepared?
The roasted red peppers should be drained and sliced into thin strips before being added to the mix.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente refers to pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite, which helps it hold up well against the dressing and other ingredients.
Is olive oil the only oil suggested?
Yes, olive oil is the traditional choice for Mediterranean dressings and provides the best flavor profile for this salad.
How should I toss the ingredients together?
Gently toss the ingredients until they are evenly coated with the dressing to avoid breaking the pasta or mashing the beans.
What makes this salad 'zesty'?
The combination of red wine vinegar, fresh garlic, and roasted red peppers provides the signature zesty and tangy flavor.