A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

April 27, 2014 Editorial Staff

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(Family Features) Now that winter is behind us and schedules are beginning to fill up, the best kind of weeknight meal is a quick, easy and delicious one.

In about 15 minutes, Antipasto Bean Salad can be on the table, or ready for toting to the office potluck or a neighborhood picnic. Starring classic antipasto ingredients, this main dish pasta salad doesn’t require cooking, except for the pasta. While the pasta is boiling, there’s time to prep the other ingredients.

Start with high-quality prepared foods that can be purchased at the supermarket. No gourmet food shopping necessary, but the finished salad will be reminiscent of one from a specialty deli or food shop. Begin with a can of READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad. This combination of green, wax and kidney beans, with chickpeas making the fourth bean, is the base for the salad. The beans, along with jarred roasted peppers, canned artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and strips of salami, make a great-tasting Italian-inspired meal.

For the simple dressing, add olive oil, fresh garlic and herbs to some of the reserved liquid from the bean salad, then toss with the pasta and bean mixture. Serve it at room temperature or chilled – this dish is destined to become a favorite go-to recipe.

For other delicious recipes made with READ Salads, visit www.READSalads.com.

Recipe: Antipasto Bean Salad

Ingredients:

1 can (15 ounces) READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad
1/4 cup thin strips roasted red bell peppers
1/2 cup fresh mozzarella or provolone cheese pieces (about 1/2-inch pieces)
1 cup chopped artichoke hearts (canned or frozen; thaw if frozen)
1/4 cup thin strips salami or pepperoni
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Dressing:

1/4 cup reserved bean liquid
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, optional

Preparation:

Drain bean salad; reserve 1/4 cup liquid.
For dressing, combine reserved bean salad liquid, oil and garlic; whisk until combined. Add fresh herbs, if desired.
In large bowl, toss together drained bean salad, roasted bell peppers, cheese, artichoke hearts, salami and fresh basil. Toss with dressing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Note: Parsley, basil, thyme or other favorite herbs can be used.