Tomato Basil and Bean Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or bow tie pasta)
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 3 tomatoes (large, coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup kidney beans (cooked or canned drained, or try garbanzo beans or black beans)
• 1 cup mozzarella (or provolone cheese, cubed or shredded, optional)
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, vinegar, Dijon-style mustard and pepper to make vinaigrette.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, beans, basil and tomatoes.
4. Pour vinaigrette over top and toss together.
5. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. If desired, add nuts and cheese just before serving, tossing again to combine.