Description
A vibrant and satisfying chickpea pasta salad featuring a creamy, tangy tahini dressing and fresh vegetables. Perfect for lunches, picnics, and light dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, farfalle, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the creamy tahini dressing:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 1–2 lemons)
- 2–4 tablespoons water, to reach desired consistency
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- 2. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, optional maple syrup, and cumin. Gradually add water (starting with 2 tablespoons) until smooth and pourable. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Assemble the salad: Add rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint (if using), and olives (if using) to the bowl with the pasta.
- 4. Dress and toss: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat. Taste and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed.
- 5. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled.
Notes
Store any leftover chickpea pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 (will vary)
- Sugar: 5-8g (will vary)
- Sodium: 300-500mg (will vary)
- Fat: 15-20g (will vary)
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g (will vary)
- Fiber: 8-10g (will vary)
- Protein: 12-15g (will vary)