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Easy Protein-Packed Chickpea Pasta Salad

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A quick, nutritious, and satisfying chickpea pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy lemon-garlic dressing, perfect for healthy meals and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) chickpea pasta (e.g., Banza)
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup (40 grams) red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup (75 grams) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 7 to 9 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it. Set aside to drain fully.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and chop the parsley. Crumble the feta cheese if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, parsley, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors or serve immediately.
  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook chickpea pasta to avoid mushiness; rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and reduce starchiness. Whisk dressing well to emulsify. Let salad rest for 5-10 minutes or up to an hour for better flavor melding. Adjust salt carefully as feta adds saltiness. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea pasta salad, protein-packed salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad, easy meal prep, vegetarian, plant-based

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/easy-protein-packed-chickpea-pasta-salad-recipe-for-healthy-meals/