Craving a vibrant, refreshing meal that screams Mediterranean sunshine? Look no further than this Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Chickpeas – a culinary masterpiece that combines zesty flavors, nutritious ingredients, and a stunning array of colors that will make your Instagram followers drool with envy! In just 25 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that's perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or a delightful side that steals the show at any potluck.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and rinse chickpeas under cold water. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the olives. Add these to the mixing bowl with chickpeas.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Add cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with vegetables and chickpeas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and fold gently to distribute.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to a great pasta salad is perfectly cooked pasta. Ensure you don't overcook, as mushy pasta will ruin the texture.
- Cool pasta quickly: Rinsing pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents clumping, ensuring each bite is perfectly separated.
- Let it marinate: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and intensify, making your dish even more delicious.
- Use fresh ingredients: Choose ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to add grilled chicken, swap feta for another cheese, or include additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
