When I was younger I recall pasta salads being a staple item come summer time.  They were ubiquitous at summer barbecues and beach parties.  I haven't encountered a pasta salad in the longest time and I don't know if this is because people are still steering clear on account of the low-carb craze or what but I miss these salads and I'm bringing one back! 

I first made this salad a year ago when I came across the recipe in a Martha Stewart cookbook.  I remember why I tried it in the first place – the idea of a minestrone salad sounded so good to me.  I love minestrone soup so I figured it wasn't much of a stretch to assume I'd like this salad.  This salad brings together a symphony of summer vegetables and it still amazes me that with such simple seasonings this salad packs so much flavor!  It's the perfect dish to bring along to a summer pot-luck or simply to enjoy with any summer meal.  This is also a very easy recipe to double so you can accomodate any size crowd!

Minestrone Salad from Martha Stewart Living Annual Recipes 2002 

1 Teaspoon coarse salt (I use sea salt)

8 oz. Gemelli or other pasta (I used farfalle)

1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil

1 small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 carrot, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice (I also added a summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch dice)

4 oz. green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 1/4 cups corn kernels, cut from 1 ear, or defrosted (I used defrosted)

Freshly ground black pepper

2 Tablespoons baslamic vinegar

1 15 oz. can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 pound of tomatoes, coarsely chopped  – use whatever variety is fresh – I used grape tomatoes

1 handful chopped fresh basil 

1) Boil water for the pasta, once it comes to a boil add a big pinch of salt and then add the pasta.  Depending on the type of pasta you've chosen the exact cooking time may vary – check the box and then test the pasta a few minutes before the instructions on the box.  That way you can make sure to get the pasta al dente without over cooking.  Because the pasta will continue cooking a little while after being drained and it will absorb the dressing you want the pasta to be very al dente.  Drain and rinse pasta and set aside.

2) Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.  Add the onion and garlic and cook until it begins to soften – about 2 minutes.  Then add the carrot – cook for 4 minutes.  Next add teh zucchini, green beans, and corn.  Cook until all of the veggies are tender about 10-15 minutes – stirring occasionally.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Transfer the veggies to a bowl, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, cannellini beans, tomatoes, and the pasta.  I also added freshly chopped basil.  Taste the salad and adjust the flavors – add more salt/pepper if necessary.  Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy!