This recipe turns the elements of a winter favorite -- vegetables, beans and pasta -- into a side dish fit for a summertime lunch or light supper. Salami replaces the flavor of sausage typically found in the soup; prosciutto or any smoked ham would work as well.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and double the amount of chopped basil.
When you're cutting the vegetables and meat, aim for pieces about the same size as the chickpeas.
Minestrone Pasta Salad
Kosher salt
8 ounces dried ditalini pasta
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
4 ounces green beans, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, scrubbed well, then cut into generous 1/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
Ground black pepper
3/4 cup cooked chickpeas, rinsed if using canned
3/4 cup cooked Great Northern beans, rinsed if using canned
2 ounces sliced hard Italian salami, cut into generous 1/4-inch squares
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil, plus more for optional garnish
1 medium tomato, peeled, seeded and diced
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the ditalini and cook according to the package directions. Use a slotted spoon/strainer to transfer the pasta to a colander set in the sink; rinse with cold water to cool immediately. Return the pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium nonstick saute pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the zucchini pieces and cook for 3 minutes; the vegetable should still be firm. Remove from the heat.
Prepare a bowl of water and ice.
Add the string bean pieces to the pot of boiling water; cook for 3 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Immediately drain the vegetables, then transfer them to the ice-water bath. After 10 minutes, drain the vegetables. Lay them out on paper towels or on a clean dish towel to dry.
Whisk together the remaining 5 tablespoons of the oil, the balsamic and red wine vinegars, oregano, mustard and sugar in a large bowl, to form an emulsified dressing. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta, zucchini-onion mix, carrots, green beans, chickpeas, Great Northern beans, salami and chopped basil; stir to incorporate.
Taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with basil and diced tomato just before serving.
Makes 12 servings.
Food on 09/10/2014