Pasta Salad With Basil, Tomatoes, And Kidney Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (ziti, bow tie or other shaped pasta)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup kidney beans, drained
• mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded (optional)
• walnuts, chopped (optional)

Method

1. 1 Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. 2 Whisk together vegetable oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and pepper in a small bowl to make vinaigrette.
3. 3 In a large bowl, combine pasta, beans, basil, and tomatoes.
4. 4 Pour vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
5. 5 Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Add cheese and nuts before serving if desired.