Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe
A clean, protein-rich, and flavor-packed salad perfect for meal prep, summer lunches, or post-workout fuel.
If you’re looking for a healthy pasta salad that checks all the boxes—gluten-free, high in plant protein, and bursting with flavor—this Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad is your new go-to. It’s quick to prepare, stays fresh in the fridge for days, and satisfies hunger without weighing you down. Let’s dive into how to make this Mediterranean magic in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
This salad brings together classic Mediterranean flavors—juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy feta, tangy olives, and an herby lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. The secret weapon? Chickpea pasta. It’s packed with protein and fiber, offering a clean and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta.
Whether you’re a busy professional, athlete, or meal prepper, this salad fits right into your lifestyle. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, for a cooling summer lunch, or pair it with grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz chickpea pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or tofu)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Chickpea pasta cooks a little faster than traditional wheat pasta, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Once tender, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
2. Prep the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, chop your fresh ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the red onion slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—if you love zing, add a little extra lemon.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, olives, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the feta—you want those creamy chunks to hold their shape.
5. Chill & Serve
While you can serve this salad immediately, it tastes even better after sitting for 20–30 minutes in the fridge. This rest time allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Tips for the Best Chickpea Pasta Salad
- Choose a sturdy pasta shape: Chickpea penne or rotini holds up well and doesn’t fall apart after a day in the fridge.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinsing chickpea pasta removes some of the natural starchiness and prevents clumping.
- Customize it: Add arugula, roasted red peppers, or grilled chicken for variation.
- Make it vegan: Swap the feta with a plant-based version or use diced avocado.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It makes a fantastic make-ahead lunch or post-workout meal. The flavors continue to deepen with time, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
(based on chickpea pasta and standard feta cheese; values are approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Clean Eating with Mediterranean Flavor
This Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad combines convenience with clean, whole-food ingredients that support an active lifestyle. It’s light but satisfying, refreshing yet hearty, and loaded with nutrients that fuel your day without any artificial junk.
Whether you enjoy it for a quick lunch, as part of your weekly meal prep, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at your next gathering, this salad is a healthy recipe you’ll come back to all summer long.
