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Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad

Colorful Mediterranean chickpea pasta salad with fresh vegetables and feta cheese.

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A vibrant and hearty summer salad packed with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon herb dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick, satisfying meal. It comes together quickly and is full of Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces short pasta (like fusilli, farfalle, or rotini)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
  4. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  5. Add the crumbled feta and most of the fresh basil and parsley. Toss gently once more.
  6. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss with the remaining dressing and garnish with the remaining herbs just before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit the feta or use a vegan alternative. The salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If making ahead, add fresh herbs just before serving to keep them vibrant.

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