Cold Chickpea Pasta Salad

As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, the craving for light, refreshing meals becomes irresistible. The Chilled Chickpea Pasta Fusion Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of warm-weather dining. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes with its colorful ingredients; it's also a powerhouse of nutrition, combining the heartiness of whole wheat pasta and chickpeas with the freshness of seasonal vegetables.

Beat the heat this summer with a vibrant Chilled Chickpea Pasta Fusion Salad! This refreshing dish combines the heartiness of whole wheat pasta and protein-rich chickpeas with a colorful array of seasonal vegetables. Packed with nutrients, it's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors while staying healthy and energized. Discover how easy it is to prepare your own nutritious and visually appealing meal that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumbers, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

1/4 cup olives (green or black), pitted and sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta cheese (if using).

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Toss: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the veggies and chickpeas. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well combined.

Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve: After chilling, give the salad a good toss once more, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve cold. Garnish with extra parsley or feta if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 4-6