Arugula Salad with Penne, Garbanzo Beans and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Today it's another installment of "things I like to have in my fridge so I eat a decent lunch." This salad contains many things I love; peppery arugula, beans, which have great bite and protein (an essential ingredient to staying full all afternoon), chewy and sweet sun dried tomatoes and salty Parmesan cheese!  It really is the perfect salad and will keep you full until dinner time!  I like to put the salad and dressing in four separate containers so I can just pull one serving out at a time but feel free to make it in one big bowl for a side dish and enjoy it for dinner too!  Enjoy!

Arugula Salad with Penne, Garbanzo Beans and Sun Dried Tomatoes (adapted from skinnytaste.com)

6 oz. penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
1/4 c. sun dried tomatoes, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can garbonzo beans, drained and rinsed
4 T. Parmesan cheese, shredded
5 oz. baby arugula
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

If you are making this for individual lunches you will need 4 medium sized containers. Place 1/4 of the penne, sun dried tomatoes, beans and cheese in each of the four containers then top each with 1/4 of the arugula (this will keep the arugula from getting soggy.)  In 4 smaller containers with tight fitting lids place 1 1/2 t. each of olive oil and vinegar then season each with the salt and pepper.  Cover and shake to combine. When you are ready to eat toss one container of dressing with one container of salad. 

If you are making a big salad just put the penne, sun dried tomatoes, garbonzo beans and Parmesan in a large bowl and set aside.  In a small container with a tight fitting lid combine the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Cover and shake to combine.  Pour the salad over the dressing, toss and serve!

4 main dish servings (371 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com