Zesty Pasta and Black Bean Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette
Elevate your summer gatherings or family meals with this vibrant Zesty Pasta and Black Bean Salad. Featuring a delightful blend of al dente pasta, protein-rich black beans, and a medley of fresh herbs, this salad is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. The roasted red pepper vinaigrette adds a sweet and smoky kick that perfectly complements the heartiness of the beans and the pasta. This dish is light, refreshing, and ideal for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without the guilt, making it a wonderful choice for health-conscious eaters or anyone with a taste for adventure in their cooking. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, it's sure to impress at any occasion, from brunch to BBQs.
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
roasted red pepper
1/2 cup (jarred or homemade)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
shaped pasta
4 cups (cooked, drained, and rinsed in cold water (i.e. penne or fusilli))
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the roasted red pepper vinaigrette. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red pepper, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs (oregano, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro). Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, blending again to incorporate any additional seasoning.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, cooled pasta and the rinsed black beans.
4
Pour the roasted red pepper dressing over the pasta and beans. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
15g
Carbs
5g
Protein
3.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Pasta and Black Bean Salad?
It is a vibrant, protein-rich salad featuring pasta, black beans, fresh herbs, and a sweet and smoky roasted red pepper vinaigrette.
What are the primary ingredients for the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made from roasted red pepper, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs including oregano, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe recommends using shaped pasta such as penne or fusilli for the best texture and appearance.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 140 calories per serving of this pasta salad.
How much protein is in the Zesty Pasta and Black Bean Salad?
This salad provides 5g of protein per serving, largely thanks to the inclusion of black beans.
How do I prepare the roasted red pepper vinaigrette?
Combine the pepper, oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, the salad can be served either chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
Is the recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal for health-conscious eaters and is tagged as low cholesterol.
What gives the salad its smoky kick?
The roasted red pepper in the vinaigrette provides a sweet and smoky flavor profile.
How much fiber does this dish contain?
Each serving of this salad contains 3.3g of fiber.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains 6.7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers?
Yes, you can use jarred roasted red peppers or homemade ones for the vinaigrette.
Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh oregano, rosemary, parsley, and cilantro to achieve the zesty flavor.
What type of olive oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the roasted red pepper vinaigrette.
How should I prepare the black beans?
You should use one 15-ounce can of black beans that has been thoroughly rinsed and drained.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
Red wine vinegar is used to provide the necessary acidity and tanginess.
How should the pasta be treated after cooking?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, drained, and then rinsed in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Is this salad good for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is ideal for summer BBQs, family meals, and brunches due to its light and refreshing nature.
Does the recipe contain cholesterol?
The recipe is specifically tagged as 'low cholesterol,' making it a heart-healthy choice.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a side dish or a satisfying main course.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the pasta, beans, and components for the vinaigrette.
How do I ensure the pasta is evenly seasoned?
Pour the dressing over the pasta and beans and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Should the lemon juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I add salt and pepper to the dressing?
Yes, the instructions state to season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste before mixing it with the salad.
What equipment do I need for the dressing?
You will need a blender or a food processor to combine the vinaigrette ingredients into a smooth mixture.
What makes the pasta salad 'zesty'?
The combination of lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and a variety of fresh herbs creates its signature zesty flavor.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided does not list any added sugar for this recipe.