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+ servings
Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad with Chickpeas for Summer Bliss

This vibrant Pasta Salad combines chickpeas and fresh ingredients for a perfect summer dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta any short pasta can be substituted
  • 1 can Chickpeas drained
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved; can substitute with diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers can substitute with bell peppers
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers or banana peppers as a milder substitute
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives or black olives for a softer flavor
  • cup Parmesan Cheese can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor
  • ½ cup Provolone or Mozzarella any mild cheese works
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach can substitute arugula for a zesty flavor
For the Dressing
  • cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil high quality recommended
  • 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar can substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Pepperoncini Brine or fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Shallots finely chopped; can substitute red onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced; can substitute garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano fresh herbs can be used
  • 1 pinch Kosher Salt
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, shallots, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a bowl with cooled fusilli, add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, and fresh spinach. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Stir in kalamata olives, provolone cheese, and parmesan. Fold gently to combine.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Let flavors meld for optimal taste. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or cheeses.

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