White Bean Salami Pasta Salad

There it was in the pantry. A half bag of pasta was nestled between rice and beans. Sure dried pasta lasts a while however it seemed to be calling out to me. It was a bag I found at one of those clearance stores. The pretty pattern and shape caught my attention. Then I realized I had some food in the fridge that needed to be used right away. Another clean out led to making using of it all in White Bean Salami Pasta Salad.

Thoughts of going to Germany is what made me buy the salami. It was that and a conversation on twitter about school lunches. Way back when I was a kid, my lunchbox had almost the same thing in it every day. A sandwich made of German brown bread, butter, salami, and cheddar cheese. There was also a bag of Fritos, a Little Debbie snack cake, and a thermos filled with Coca-Cola. So what does that have to do with the pasta salad? Not much except that was the reason I had a big pack of salami in the fridge.

Pretty baby bell peppers were in the fridge too. I didn’t use all of them with the Pimento Cheese Stuffed Peppers. Celery and onion are always on hand and so are canned beans. Throwing them all together with a simple oil and vinegar dressing was the thing to do. How did it turn out? Better than I imagined. It was another one of those times I stood in the kitchen and shoveled spoonfuls of it in my face after taking photos. While I was chowing, I was thinking of how great it would be to take it to pot lucks, picnics, or other gatherings.

What do you make when it is time to clean out the fridge or pantry? I’ve done quiches, frittatas and these tasty Ham, Turkey, and Cheddar Turnovers. Only thing about cleaning out is that it turns into a time to re-stock. What to do with all those new fresh ingredients? We will see. Stay tuned…

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White Bean Salami Pasta Salad

A recipe for White Bean Salami Pasta Salad made with white kidney beans (cannellini beans), salami, onion, bell peppers, and an oil and vinegar dressing.

Course Salad

Cuisine American Southern

Prep Time 5 hours 55 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Author Renee

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked short pasta
• 1 can cannellini/white kidney beans 15.5 ounces, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 3 ounces sliced salami cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil*
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• Celery leaves optional

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
2. While the pasta is cooking, place all remaining ingredients except celery leaves in a large bowl.
3. Add cooked pasta and stir to combine.
4. Chill for 6 hours or overnight. Garnish with celery leaves before serving if desired.

Recipe Notes

*If you substitute the oil, be sure to use one that will not solidify when chilled.