Brighten up your meal prep with this fresh and flavorful Chickpea Pasta Salad, a protein-packed, Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or a healthy potluck side. This colorful salad combines al dente pasta, tender chickpeas, and crisp veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon-Dijon dressing. Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal freshness, while an optional sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy finish. Naturally vegetarian and easily vegan with a simple substitution, this versatile salad is ready in just 25 minutes and tastes even better after chilling as the vibrant flavors meld together. Healthy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, this Chickpea Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone seeking a quick yet nourishing dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and chickpeas.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well combined.
If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for added flavor.
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Calories |
1723 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.2 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.0 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 2678 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.4 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.6 g | 127% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.0 g | ||
| Protein | 53.4 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 567 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 2505 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.