Are you craving a delicious and healthy salad that is easy to make? Look no further than this Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad recipe! Packed with flavor and nutrients, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
The combination of tender pasta, protein-rich chickpeas, and fresh vegetables makes for a satisfying and filling meal. Tossed with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, this salad will take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a winner for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
If you are looking for a healthy and flavorful salad recipe, then Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad is an excellent option. This salad is full of colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and protein-rich chickpeas, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
Why Should You Make Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad?
Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad is a perfect meal for those who want to eat healthily without compromising on taste. This salad is rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. It is also an excellent source of healthy fats, thanks to the addition of olive oil and feta cheese. Moreover, this salad is easy to prepare, and you can make it in advance for meal prep or take it to work or school.
Ingredients in Detail:
Here are the ingredients you need to make Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad:
- Pasta: Cooked pasta as per instructions on package. I recommend using wholewheat fusilli or penne pasta for this.
- Chickpeas: You can use drained and rinsed canned chickpeas or 1 Cup boiled chickpeas.
- Veggies: red bell pepper, diced, cucumber, diced, cherry tomatoes, halved, olives, pitted and chopped
- Herbs: Fresh mint, basil and fresh parsley, chopped
- Nuts & Cheese: pistachio (roasted), crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tips to Make the Best Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad:
- Cook the pasta al dente, according to the package instructions. Rinse it with cold water and drain well before adding it to the salad.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Mix the dressing separately and pour it over the salad just before serving to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
Is This Pasta Salad Healthy?
Yes, Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad is a healthy meal. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. The chickpeas in the salad provide a good source of plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. The salad also contains healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese. The combination of colorful vegetables in the salad makes it a good source of antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
How to Store it?
You can store Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it is best to store the dressing separately and mix it just before serving..
Is This Salad Diabetic-Friendly?
Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad is a great choice for people with diabetes. It contains a good amount of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is essential to keep an eye on the serving size and to make sure the ingredients used do not contain added sugars.
Can You Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make this salad in advance for meal prep or to save time. However, it is best to store the dressing separately and mix it just before serving to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions:
You can serve Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad as a main dish or as a side dish. It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. You can also customize the recipe to your preference by adding other vegetables such as spinach, artichokes, or roasted eggplants.
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Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta cooked (we recommend using fusilli or penne)
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed ( 1 Cup boiled chickpeas)
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- 1 cucumber diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup olives pitted and chopped
- ⅕ cup pistachio roasted
- ⅕ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chickpeas, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Mix the salad before serving, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad!
Notes
Tips to Make the Best Mediterranean Pasta Chickpea Salad:
- Cook the pasta al dente, according to the package instructions. Rinse it with cold water and drain well before adding it to the salad.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Mix the dressing separately and pour it over the salad just before serving to prevent the pasta from getting soggy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
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