Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad 🥗
Chickpea and Pasta Salad Recipe
Description: This delightful Chickpea and Pasta Salad is perfect for a buffet spread, a BBQ party, or simply anytime you crave a flavorful dish. You have the option to omit the feta cheese if it’s not your preference, but its creamy tanginess adds a wonderful depth to this salad that’s hard to resist!
Recipe Category: Quick & Easy (<30 mins)
Keywords: Easy, Salad, Chickpeas, Pasta, Feta Cheese
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 410.9
- Fat: 7.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 695.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 75.8g
- Fiber: 12.2g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | Red wine vinegar |
| 1-2 | Garlic clove |
| 3 | Olive oil |
| 4 | Fresh rosemary |
| 3/4 | Dried rosemary |
| 2 | Italian parsley |
| 1-2 | Chickpeas |
| – | Salt |
| 1 | Fresh ground pepper |
| 1/2 – 1 | Penne pasta |
| – | Feta cheese |
Instructions:
-
Whisk Vinegar and Garlic:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and minced garlic cloves until well combined.
-
Add Olive Oil:
- Gradually pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, creating a smooth and emulsified dressing.
-
Incorporate Herbs:
- Stir in the chopped fresh rosemary and Italian parsley, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
-
Combine with Chickpeas:
- Add the chickpeas to the dressing mixture, tossing gently to coat them thoroughly. Allow the chickpeas to marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Season to Taste:
- Season the marinated chickpeas with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
-
Cook Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until it is just tender. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
-
Combine Pasta and Chickpeas:
- Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the marinated chickpeas mixture to the pasta, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
-
Optional Feta Cheese:
- If desired, crumble feta cheese over the salad and gently toss again to incorporate it with the pasta and chickpeas.
-
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more vinegar or olive oil to enhance the flavors, as per your preference.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Chickpea and Pasta Salad warm or at room temperature, allowing everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delightful dish.
This recipe yields a savory salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply looking for a quick and easy meal solution, this Chickpea and Pasta Salad is sure to satisfy your cravings! 🥗✨
