🥗✨ White Bean Balsamic Pasta Salad ✨🥗

A Fresh, Flavorful Summer Pasta Salad You’ll Make Again and Again!

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and satisfying dish, this White Bean Balsamic Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. Packed with tender pasta, protein-rich white beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, creamy vegan feta, and a rich balsamic dressing, it’s a delicious meal that’s ideal for summer lunches, picnics, BBQs, or easy weeknight dinners.

⸻

🛒 Ingredients

🥗 For the Salad

* 300 g (10 oz) fusilli or rotini pasta

* 1 can (400 g / 15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed

* 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

* 150 g (5 oz) vegan feta cheese (or regular feta), cubed

* ½ cup fresh basil, chopped

* ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

* ¼ red onion, finely sliced (optional)

* 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

⸻

🥣 For the Balsamic Dressing

* 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

* 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

* 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

* 1 garlic clove, minced

* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

* Salt, to taste

* Freshly ground black pepper

⸻

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and allow it to cool completely.

2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

3️⃣ Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, white beans, cherry tomatoes, vegan feta, red onion, basil, and parsley.

4️⃣ Toss Everything Together

Pour the balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

5️⃣ Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully before serving.

⸻

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with:

* 🥖 Garlic bread

* 🍗 Grilled chicken

* 🐟 Grilled salmon

* 🥑 Fresh avocado slices

* 🌿 Extra basil leaves for garnish

⸻

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips

✨ Cook the pasta just until al dente to keep it firm.

🫘 Rinse the white beans thoroughly for the freshest flavor.

🍅 Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best taste.

🫒 High-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar make all the difference.

❄️ The salad tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes.

⸻

📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)

* 🔥 Calories: 390

* 💪 Protein: 15 g

* 🍝 Carbohydrates: 45 g

* 🥑 Fat: 15 g

* 🌾 Fiber: 9 g

⸻

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick and easy to prepare

✅ Packed with plant-based protein and fiber

✅ Perfect for meal prep

✅ Refreshing and ideal for hot summer days

✅ Easily customizable and vegetarian-friendly