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Chickpea Pasta Salad

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Embrace the flavors of summer with this easy, delicious Chickpea Pasta Salad. Whether you're dining al fresco or bringing a dish to a potluck, this pasta salad recipe is sure to become a staple for its delightful Mediterranean tastes and ease of preparation.

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Chickpea Pasta Salad

Welcome to your new summer obsession, my Chickpea Pasta Salad. This dish combines the heartiness of chickpeas with the freshness of arugula and the tangy creaminess of vegan goat cheese, offering a Mediterranean twist that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Ideal for summer picnics, BBQs, or a light dinner, it’s a versatile dish that promises vibrant flavors and textures.

As the days grow longer and the sun kisses the earth with its warmth, I begin craving light and easy summer dishes like this one. My Chickpea Pasta Salad is the answer to those prayers as it screams fresh. It is perfect all on its own or you can pump it up with some additional protein. This gluten free, dairy free and plant based pasta salad can easily increase it’s protein count with the additional use of high protein pasta or adding in some crispy tofu.

The foundation of this dish lies in the blend of gluten-free pasta, fire-roasted red peppers, and hearty chickpeas, creating a base that’s both robust and tender. The inclusion of arugula introduces a peppery bite, a nod to the greenery that flourishes under the summer sun, while kalamata olives add a briny depth that echoes the Mediterranean sea. Basil leaves and pine nuts sprinkle the dish with an aromatic freshness and a satisfying crunch.

What I love about this salad is the addition of creamy vegan goat cheese, melting gently into the warm pasta. It’s this unexpected creaminess, coupled with the salad’s bright and bold flavors, that makes it an irresistible addition to any summer gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, enjoying a quiet dinner under the stars, or seeking the perfect potluck contribution, this Chickpea Pasta Salad is your answer!

Ingredients in Chickpea Pasta Salad

Pasta of Choice: The foundation of any pasta salad, choosing a gluten-free pasta keeps this dish celiac-friendly. Whole grain, whole wheat pasta or a high protein pasta can also be a nutritious alternative.
Fire-Roasted Red Peppers: These add a sweet, smoky flavor that enhances the salad’s depth. Fresh bell peppers can serve as a fresh substitute.
Chickpeas: The star ingredient, chickpeas, provides plant-based protein, making the salad filling and nutritious. For a twist, try using black beans.
Arugula: Its peppery bite contrasts nicely with the creamy elements, adding a layer of complexity. Baby spinach is a milder alternative if preferred.
Kalamata Olives: Their rich, briny flavor infuses the salad with an authentic Mediterranean character. Green olives can be used for a slightly different but equally delicious taste.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves contribute an aromatic freshness, elevating the salad’s overall profile.
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a subtle crunch and a buttery texture.
Vegan Goat Cheese or Ricotta: Creamy and tangy, these vegan cheeses bind the flavors together. Brands like Kite Hill, Treeline, and Spero offer great options.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust according to taste.

Dressing Ingredients

Red Wine Vinegar & Lemon: These provide the tangy acidity that brightens the salad. Apple cider vinegar can be a sweeter alternative.
Tahini or Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Tahini offers an oil free, creamy consistency and nutty flavor. Olive oil gives a smoother texture. Both bring richness to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a spicy kick that complements the creamy elements.
Dried Parsley, Oregano, & Garlic Powder: These herbs and spices infuse the dressing with a Mediterranean flair.
Nutritional Yeast: Gives the dressing a cheesy, nutty undertone, enhancing its complexity.

How To Make Pasta Salad With Chickpeas

Begin crafting your Chickpea Pasta Salad by chopping all of your vegetables and preparing them accordingly and then combining all the vibrant salad components except for the goat cheese in a large mixing bowl. Meanwhile, take the dressing ingredients and add them in a blender and blitz until you achieve a smooth, emulsified consistency. This process takes no more than 15 seconds, but it’s crucial for unlocking the full symphony of flavors that will dress your salad. Once blended, gently pour this dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring every piece is kissed by the tangy, herby flavors of the dressing.

After the salad is well-coated, it’s time add the vegan goat cheese. With a fork, crumble small chunks of the cheese over the salad, adding a layer of creamy, tangy goodness that beautifully contrasts with the crisp textures of the vegetables and the hearty chickpeas. If you want the cheese to have a creamier texture, give the salad a toss so it can melt a bit from the warm pasta. This step is optional but recommended for those who love a richer salad experience. Once done, the salad is ready to be savored, and it’s best enjoyed immediately. If you are going to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, leave dressing and cheese until ready to serve. All will be good in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Customize This Pasta Salad

Grilled Vegetable Twist: Elevate the salad by adding grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. The smoky flavor of the grilled veggies pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the vegan cheese and the tanginess of the dressing, introducing a delightful texture and depth of flavor.
Mediterranean Medley: For a more robust Mediterranean flair, incorporate artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, and capers into the salad. These ingredients enhance the salad’s briny and tangy notes, making it even more irresistible and giving it an extra layer of Mediterranean authenticity.
Protein Power-Up: Boost the protein content by adding quinoa or lentils alongside the chickpeas. These protein-rich additions not only make the salad more filling but also add interesting textures and flavors. Crispy tofu or a high protein pasta variety will also greatly increase the protein count of this chickpea salad recipe.
Fresh Herb Fiesta: Swap out or add to the basil with a variety of fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, or cilantro. Each herb brings its unique flavor profile to the salad, making it more vibrant and refreshing.

What to Serve With This Pasta Salad

This salad is complete enough to enjoy on its own however it pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a chilled soup.

If you like this recipe check out my other pasta salads:

Fall Pasta Salad

Lemon Poppyseed Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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Jackie Akerberg

MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER PASTA SALAD

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This is the only pasta salad recipe you need this summer and trust me when I say you will be making it again and again. Perfect for any occasion from a simple weeknight dinner to a summer party or BBQ with friends. It is full of fresh flavor and veggies and perfectly creamy with the addition of vegan goat cheese.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Salad

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

6 servings pasta of choice, cooked and cooled (I used gluten free)
12oz jar fire roasted red peppers, chopped
14oz chickpeas, drained
3 cups arugula, chopped
½ cup kalamata olives, halved
10-12 large basil leaves, chopped
¼ cup pinenuts, toasted
4 oz vegan goat cheese or ricotta
Salt and pepper, to taste

Dressing Ingredients

¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tbsp tahini or olive oil
½ tsp dijon mustard
½ lemon, juiced
½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp nutritional yeast

Method

Add all ingredients for the salad, except goat cheese, to a large bowl. Add the ingredients for the dressing to a blender and blend for 10-15 seconds until smooth and emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Use a fork to add small chunks of the goat cheese to the salad. Optional to toss again to coat the ingredients with goat cheese for a creamier salad. Store in fridge for up to 4 days.

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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Chickpea Pasta Salad

Chickpea Pasta Salad

Ingredients in Chickpea Pasta Salad

How To Make Pasta Salad With Chickpeas

Customize This Pasta Salad

What to Serve With This Pasta Salad