This is a fine dish to take to a potluck! It is simple to make and uses ingredients you're likely to have on hand. You can easily make a larger amount or substitute different beans, pasta, etc., without fear of ruining the recipe. It can be made at any season and, because it's served at room temperature, can be made ahead of time without reheating. Furthermore, it is tasty and looks nice on a table full of many different foods.