Refreshing Classic Greek Pasta Salad With Chickpeas Recipe

The aroma of fresh herbs and tangy feta wafts through the air as you prepare this delightful dish. The Classic Greek Pasta Salad With Chickpeas bursts with flavors and textures that dance on your palate, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

a sunny afternoon picnic with friends or a family barbecue where everyone raves about your culinary prowess. That’s the magic of this salad—easy to whip up yet impressive enough to steal the spotlight!

Sharing this pasta salad at my last family gathering had everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! The vibrant colors and flavors truly made it a hit.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rotini Pasta: I recommend using whole wheat rotini for added fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the ingredients beautifully.
• Canned Chickpeas: Rinse them well to remove excess sodium; they add protein and texture to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halve these juicy gems for bursts of sweetness with every bite; choose vibrant red ones for visual appeal.
• Cucumber: Dice it finely for a refreshing crunch; pick English cucumbers for fewer seeds and better taste.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice it so the sharpness melds perfectly with the other flavors, adding color and zing.
• Feta Cheese: Crumble some feta in; its creamy saltiness elevates the entire dish—don’t skimp on this!
• Fresh Parsley: Chop it finely to sprinkle over; it adds brightness and freshness that ties everything together.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it’ll be your dressing base.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings acidity that balances out the creaminess of feta—absolutely essential!
• Dried Oregano: Sprinkle in some dried oregano for authentic Mediterranean flair; its aromatic nature enhances all flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare Veggies and Chickpeas: While pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly; set aside all prepared ingredients in separate bowls.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—I often add extra lemon juice!

Combine Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with chopped veggies and chickpeas. Drizzle dressing over everything and toss gently until evenly coated—make sure no noodle is left behind!

Add Feta Cheese Last!: Crumble feta cheese atop the salad just before serving. Gently fold in so as not to break up too much—this way every bite remains flavorful!

Enjoy your masterpiece! This Classic Greek Pasta Salad With Chickpeas not only fills your belly but also warms your heart with every delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente, then cool it down before mixing with veggies and dressing. This ensures the salad remains fresh and prevents sogginess.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chickpeas for black beans or add your favorite nuts for crunch. Toss in some avocado or olives to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Refrain from reheating; serve chilled for the best taste.

The first time I made this salad, my friends devoured it, demanding the recipe immediately! That moment taught me the joy of sharing delicious food.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chickpeas in this salad?

You can use black beans or kidney beans for a different texture and flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead for flavors to meld beautifully.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers are best enjoyed within three days for optimal taste and freshness.

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Classic Greek Pasta Salad With Chickpeas

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Classic Greek Pasta Salad With Chickpeas is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines wholesome ingredients for a delightful experience. Perfect for gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with chopped veggies and chickpeas. Drizzle dressing over and toss gently until well combined.
5. Crumble feta on top just before serving and gently fold it in.

Notes

• For added crunch, consider incorporating nuts or avocado.
•  You can substitute chickpeas with black beans for a different flavor profile.
• This salad can be made a day in advance for optimal flavor blending.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 20mg