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Healthy Calorie Deficit Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe for Weight Loss

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A quick and easy high-protein chickpea pasta salad designed to support weight loss with a calorie deficit, packed with fresh veggies and a tangy lemon-herb dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (227g) high-protein chickpea pasta (recommend Banza brand)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (227g) chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water immediately to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain well for 5 minutes.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and finely chop 1/4 cup red onion if using. Chop 1/3 cup fresh parsley.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled chickpea pasta with the prepared vegetables and 1 cup drained canned chickpeas. Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese if desired.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before plating.

Notes

Rinse cooked chickpea pasta under cold water to prevent mushiness. Add Dijon mustard first when whisking dressing to emulsify. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste. Store in airtight container up to 3 days in refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea pasta salad, high protein salad, weight loss recipe, healthy lunch, calorie deficit meal, gluten-free pasta salad, lemon herb dressing

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/healthy-calorie-deficit-chickpea-pasta-salad-recipe-for-weight-loss/