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One of the standout features of Chickpea Delight Pasta Salad is its incredible versatility. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Additionally, the ease of preparation means you can whip it up in no time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. With its refreshing flavors and satisfying components, this pasta salad is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Cold Chickpea Pasta Salad

Discover the delicious Chickpea Delight Pasta Salad, a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. Made with protein-packed chickpeas, whole wheat pasta, and colorful fresh vegetables, this salad is visually enticing and packed with flavor. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized to fit various dietary needs. Enjoy it as a quick lunch, a side for gatherings, or a meal prep favorite that stays fresh in the fridge. Make this delightful salad a staple in your kitchen and delight your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, fill with water and add a generous pinch of salt, then bring to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely before using.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, take the opportunity to prepare your vegetables. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the red bell pepper and red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine these fresh ingredients with the drained chickpeas and chopped parsley.

      Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, creating a smooth mixture.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta is cool, transfer it to the mixing bowl containing the vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together using a spatula or large spoon until the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.

          Add Cheese (Optional): If you choose to include feta cheese, sprinkle the crumbled cheese into the salad and delicately fold it in to avoid breaking the cheese pieces too much. This will add a lovely creaminess to the dish.

            Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead dish.

              Serve: When ready to serve, scoop the salad into individual bowls or platters. Garnish each serving with a lemon wedge for an extra splash of citrus flavor that will brighten the dish. Enjoy your refreshing Chickpea Delight Pasta Salad!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings