Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad

6 servings
This Chickpea Pasta Salad is filled with vibrant Mediterranean flavors including fresh tomatoes, herbs, briny kalamata olives, and creamy chickpeas.

Ingredients

  • extra virgin olive oil
    ⅓ c
  • red wine vinegar
    3 tbsp
  • garlic clove

    minced

    1
  • dijon mustard
    1 tsp
  • oregano
    1 tsp
  • kosher salt
    1 tsp
  • Black pepper
  • pasta

    gluten-free if necessary

    8 oz
  • chickpeas

    drained and rinsed

    1 can
  • dry pint fresh tomatoes

    diced or cut in half

    1
  • English cucumber

    quartered and sliced

    1
  • red onion

    small dice

    ½
  • kalamata olives)

    cut in half (optional

    ½ c
  • crumbled feta
    ½ c
  • fresh parsley
    ⅓ c
  • fresh mint
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the Dressing: In a resealable jar, add the oil, lemon or vinegar, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Seal and shake vigorously, until emulsified. Let sit; the vinegar will mellow out the garlic over time.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pasta: Generously salt a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and rinse well with cold water until the pasta comes to room temperature.

  3. 3

    Combine: Add the chilled pasta to a large bowl along with the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta, parsley, and mint. Top with the dressing and toss until well combined.

  4. 4

    Serve & Store: Serve immediately, or place in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes before serving. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad

30 min6 servings434 cal

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About this Recipe

Vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Plant-Based Meal

Dive into a bowl of pure sunshine with this incredible Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad! Bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, this dish is a delicious and healthy choice for any occasion. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for a summer BBQ, or a make-ahead meal for busy weekdays, this vegan pasta salad truly shines.

What makes this chickpea pasta salad so special? It's all about the combination of fresh ingredients and that tangy, aromatic dressing. We combine tender pasta (choose gluten-free to make it a fully gluten-free pasta salad) with creamy chickpeas, juicy fresh tomatoes, crisp English cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. The briny kalamata olives add a wonderful depth, and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional mint brightens everything up beautifully. The simple yet potent dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano, ties all these amazing components together for an unforgettable taste experience.

This Mediterranean pasta salad isn't just delicious; it's incredibly versatile and easy to customize.

  • Pasta Perfection: While any short pasta works, opt for rotini or fusilli to really grab that delicious dressing.
  • Add-ins Welcome: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like diced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some spinach for added nutrition.
  • Cheesy Touch: We've used dairy-free feta here to keep it vegan, but regular feta is a fantastic option if you're not strictly plant-based.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it on its own, serve it alongside grilled halloumi or plant-based protein, or pack it for your next picnic. This chickpea salad is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions