Chickpea Pasta Salad: A Nutritious, Flavorful Meal for Any Occasion
Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’ve been following my culinary adventures, I love simple dishes full of nutrients and flavour. Today, I’m sharing one of my favourites: Chickpea Pasta Salad.
I can’t tell you how hard I first tried this salad; it was at a family picnic, and it was so healthy and indulgent. A good bowl of chickpea pasta mixed with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing was the perfect meal on a hot summer day. Since then, this salad has been my go-to dish when craving a quick, easy, and filling dish. It’s the perfect meal prep, light lunch, or side for a barbecue.
If you love bold flavours and hearty salads that keep you full for hours, this chickpea pasta salad is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Pasta Salad
This is like a dish to love. Whether you’re a pasta salad lover or looking for a nutritious meal option, this Chickpea Pasta Salad has it all:
- Nutritious and Filling: Chickpea pasta delivers protein and fibre packed enough to make it a regular pasta substitute. A salad that’s light and keeps you full for hours, paired with fresh vegetables.
- Full of Flavor: There’s much going on in every bite with the zesty lemon, fresh herbs and varying veggies. You can customize the flavour (add to the flavour by changing the dressing or adding additional ingredients).
- Quick and Easy: This is a lovely salad for busy days. You don’t need fancy ingredients or too many steps; it comes together in under 30 minutes, and it’s a good meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad also stores well in the fridge for a few days if you like meal prep. Both are great things to have ready for quick dinners throughout the week or to pack into lunchboxes.
- Versatile and Customizable: It’s lovely how you can easily substitute ingredients here. Want more greens? Add spinach or arugula. Do you need something different? You can leave the dressing out or add a few roasted veggies.
Chickpea Pasta Salad: A Nutritious, Flavorful Meal for Any Occasion
Course: SaladsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes300
kcalThis colourful and nourishing chickpea pasta salad is ideal for any occasion. This delicious dish has fresh veggies, protein-rich chickpea pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing. This salad may be tailored to your preferences, whether you like it as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a meal prep mainstay. It’s a tasty way to consume nutritious food without compromising flavour and is quick to make and store.
Ingredients
8 oz chickpea pasta (or your preferred pasta)
One can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
One cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 bell pepper, diced (any colour)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, or substitute with a vegan alternative)
1/4 cup kalamata olives, halved (optional)
2 tbsp capers (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
One clove of garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions and start. Notice that if you overcook it, chickpea pasta can go mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool. - Prepare the Vegetables
While it’s cooking, prep your veggies. Cherry tomatoes, halved cucumber, bell pepper dice, and thinly sliced red onion are also used. There’s no secret to this crunchy, vibrant salad: fresh veggies are the name of the game, so feel free to throw in some of your favourite extra veggies. - Make the Dressing
All you do in a small bowl is whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. This tangy, zesty dressing will coat the pasta and veggies incredibly well, lending the salad its distinctive taste. - Combine Everything
Whisk your olive oil and lemon juice together in a jar or a small bowl, and then toss with the cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, parsley and whatever optional add-ins you have feta, olives are just a few examples, but you will have to decide for yourself. Pour dressing over the salad and mix Everything lightly to ensure all the ingredients are coated. - Taste and Adjust
Food and then experience the salad and, if necessary, change the seasoning. If not, add a few more splashes of lemon juice for extra brightness or more salt to get the flavour. Get your baster, toss it in again, and prepare to serve! - Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s ready to eat (immediately), or you could put it in the fridge for a half hour and let the seasonings mix. It only gets better as it sits.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Make sure to cook the chickpea spaghetti since it will go mushy and retain texture. This salad is adaptable; feel free to add or change your preferred dressings and veggies. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but keep the dressing separate until serving to preserve freshness.
Types of Condiments to Use in Chickpea Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this Chickpea Pasta Salad is how versatile it is when it comes to condiments and dressings. You can customize the flavours to your liking by adding different condiments. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tahini Dressing: If you love a creamy dressing with a nutty flavour, try adding a tahini-based dressing. Mix tahini with lemon juice, water, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a smooth, rich dressing that complements the pasta and veggies.
- Pesto: A spoonful of basil pesto can take this salad to the next level. The fresh, herbaceous flavour of pesto pairs wonderfully with chickpeas and pasta. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a more indulgent flavour.
- Hummus: For a Mediterranean twist, mix in a dollop of hummus. It adds creaminess and richness to the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tangy flavour that contrasts beautifully with the savoury ingredients. It also makes the salad look as good as it tastes!
- Greek Yogurt:Substitute part of the dressing with Greek yoghurt for a lighter, tangy option. It adds creaminess and an extra protein boost while keeping the salad light and refreshing.
- Salsa Verde: If you like a bit of spice, try adding salsa verde to the salad. It brings a zesty, slightly spicy kick that perfectly complements the veggies and chickpeas.
Flavor Enhancements for Your Chickpea Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this Chickpea Pasta Salad is how versatile it is when it comes to condiments and dressings. You can have different condiments and flavours your way! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tahini Dressing:If you don’t love tahini-based dressing but love a creamy dressing with a nutty flavour, you’ll appreciate that with this one. Make a smooth, rich dressing by mixing the lemon juice, water, garlic and pinch of salt with the tahini.
- Pesto: This salad can take a spoonful of basil pesto to the next level. In ingredient terms, pesto lends perfectly to chickpeas and pasta and to that other busy autumn dinner staple, ground turkey. I’m a fan of this because it’s extra indulgent if you want a more flavourful flavour.
- Hummus: Mix in a dollop of hummus if you’d prefer a Mediterranean twist. It gives the salad a lovely creaminess and richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Balsamic Glazea: A drizzle of my Balsamic Glaze adds a sweet tarty flavour against the savoury flavours. It also makes the salad taste as good as it looks!
- Greek Yogurt: Instead of using some of the dressing, add a lighter, tangier option with some Greek yoghurt. It’s also creamy and another source of protein while remaining light and refreshing.
- Salsa Verde: Add salsa verde to the salad if you like a bit of spice. It adds a zippy, slightly spicy punch that suits the veggies and chickpeas.
Health Benefits of Chickpea Pasta Salad
Not only is this Chickpea Pasta Salad delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that are great for your body:
- Chickpeas: They are fantastic for plant-based protein and fibre. They will keep you full, are suitable for digestion, and are high in vitamins and minerals like folate and magnesium.
- Chickpea Pasta: Besides helping you resist the urge to pile on extra calories, you are already getting more protein and fibre from chickpea pasta than you would find in traditional pasta. It’s an excellent gluten-free option that keeps the salad from boring or filling.
- Vegetables: With fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion, this salad contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This salad is always well-rounded by adding shortening, colour and nutrition.
- Olive Oil: They are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and have anti-inflammatory properties. It also boosts the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from vegetables.
- Lemon Juice: Vitamin C is excellent for boosting your immune system and keeping your digestive system working for your body, and it’s all in the lemon.
Serving Suggestions and Storing Tips
This Chickpea Pasta Salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or even a healthy dinner. Here are some tips for serving and storing:
- Serve Fresh: Now, if you’re serving it later, store it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour, or until you’re ready, before eating it. It lets the flavours get more blended.
- Meal Prep: This meal prep-friendly salad lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad stays crunchy and fresh, and the chickpea holds up well.
- Add the Dressing Before Serving: I recommend storing the dressing separately for the salad and tossing it just before serving to keep the veggies crisp if you’re making this salad ahead of time.
Conclusion
And there you have it—my take on the Chickpea Pasta Salad! This dish is Everything you want in a salad: Not only is it light, fresh, filling, and — most important of all — deliciously flavoured. Plus, It’s super easy to make and prep for the week.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a side for a barbecue, or a quick weeknight dinner, this chickpea pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait to hear what you change it to–leave a comment and tell me!
It’s time to keep cooking one recipe at a time while enjoying the joy of nutrition and healthy eating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Just about any pasta—traditional wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, lentil or quinoa pasta—all work fine in this recipe! Just ensure you cook them per package instructions and don’t overcook them.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Omit the feta cheese if you’re not eating it, or swap it for a plant-based option. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
If you’re using chickpea pasta, this is already gluten-free, but you can use any gluten-free pasta you prefer, such as rice or quinoa pasta.
Can I add more protein?
Of course! There are options like shredded grilled chicken, shrimp, and tofu to increase the protein in your meal.
What other vegetables can I add?
This is a highly customizable salad, so feel free to include other veggies you might like. Some delicious additions include spinach, arugula, roasted zucchini, and red peppers.
