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high-protein chickpea pasta salad

High-Protein Chickpea Pasta Salad

This high-protein chickpea pasta salad is fresh, colorful, and satisfying. Packed with chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing — it’s a quick, healthy meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 8 oz chickpea pasta rotini or penne
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup black olives sliced
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions. Taste near the end — chickpea pasta cooks faster than wheat pasta. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cools, chop the cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes. Rinse and drain the cooked chickpeas.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
  1. In a large salad bowl, mix the cooled pasta, chickpeas, and chopped vegetables. Pour in the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
  1. Fold in the feta cheese, black olives, and parsley. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. You can serve it right away or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook chickpea pasta — it softens fast. Keep it slightly firm for the best texture.
  • Add any seasonal vegetables you like — roasted zucchini, corn, or spinach all work well.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To freshen leftovers, drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice before serving.