Print

Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad (Best 15-Minute Recipe)

mediterranean chickpea pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

This Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that comes together in under 15 minutes. It features al dente pasta, hearty chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (200g) dry rotini or penne pasta
  • Salt for the pasta water
  • 1 can (15 oz or 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (75g) cucumber, diced small
  • 1/3 cup (50g) Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (5g) fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and toss to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, halve the olives, and finely dice the red onion. If desired, soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Pat the herbs dry and chop them finely.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion (drained if soaked), feta, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  5. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is well coated. The pasta should look glossy, not drenched. If it seems dry, add a splash more olive oil.
  6. Let It Rest (optional but recommended): Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Give it one last toss, taste for seasoning, and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Season pasta water generously with salt. Dry all ingredients well to prevent a watery dressing. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors. If making ahead, reserve some dressing to add just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chickpea pasta salad, easy pasta salad, 15-minute recipe, healthy pasta salad, meal prep salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-mediterranean-chickpea-pasta-salad-best-15-minute-recipe/