Salad Season

Italian Pasta & Bean Salad

(Family Features) - 'Tis the season for simple, satisfying salads! Mix up your recipe repertoire by combining the best of two summer salads - three-bean and pasta - into one tasty dish that's just 15 minutes away.

Italian Pasta and Bean Salad pairs classic favorites - pesto, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella - with READ 3 Bean Salad, a wax, green and kidney bean trio that's a tried-and-true pantry staple. Preparation couldn't be easier. After cooking and rinsing the pasta, simply stir in the prepared pesto, then toss with the tomatoes and mozzarella. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finishes the dish. Serve immediately or chilled - either is delicious.

In addition to being satisfying and simple, this cool summer salad provides 11 grams of protein (20% of the daily recommendation), three grams of fiber and a full serving of vegetables in each one-cup portion.

The salad does double-duty as a side dish for six, or, up the serving size to four for a main dish, vegetarian-friendly supper. For an entrée with meat, try adding grilled chicken or Italian sausage.

Visit www.SenecaFoods.com to learn more.

Italian Pasta & Bean Salad
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Makes 6 (1 cup) servings

2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1/2 cup prepared pesto
1 can (15 ounces) READ 3 Bean Salad, drained
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup fresh mozzarella boconccini (cut balls in halves or quarters)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup toasted walnuts (optional)

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold running water. In bowl, combine pesto with pasta to coat well.
2. Combine pasta with bean salad, discarding liquid. Stir in tomatoes and mozzarella; refrigerate. To serve, sprinkle cheese and walnuts, if desired, over top.

Nutrition information per serving: 316 calories; 34 g carbohydrate; 11 g protein; 15 g fat; 527 mg sodium; 13 mg cholesterol; 3 g dietary fiber; 2 mg iron; <1 mg thiamin; 395 IU Vitamin A; 5 mg Vitamin C.

Source: READ Bean Salads (Seneca Foods Corporation)