Cold Chickpea Pasta Salad

As the weather warms up and summer approaches, cold pasta salads become an appealing and nutritious meal option. They offer a delightful way to enjoy a variety of flavors and ingredients while keeping your meals light and refreshing. One standout recipe is the Chickpea Bliss Cold Pasta Salad, which combines the heartiness of whole wheat pasta with the rich protein content of chickpeas. This salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit a range of occasions, from casual picnics and festive potlucks to quick weeknight dinners.

Looking for a refreshing meal to kick off summer? Try the Chickpea Bliss Cold Pasta Salad! This versatile dish combines whole wheat pasta, protein-packed chickpeas, and vibrant vegetables, creating a healthy yet satisfying option for picnics, potlucks, or quick dinners. With a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar, it's not only easy to make but can also be prepped in advance. Discover how to customize this delicious salad to suit any occasion and enjoy a flavorful, nutritious meal.

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Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.

Prepare the Veggies and Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Stir gently to combine.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable and chickpea mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Add Cheese and Herbs: Gently fold in the chopped parsley and feta cheese, if using, for an extra layer of flavor.

Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve: When ready to serve, give the salad a light toss and check the seasoning. Enjoy it chilled!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4-6 servings