This healthy Chickpea Pasta Salad is perfect to serve with picky eaters around and you'll get some extra protein. It's filled with fresh and creamy ingredients all tossed in a cheesy Italian dressing.
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perfect for picky eaters!
In case you didn't get the memo, FRESH flavors are in for the summer! That's why I love this delicious and healthy Chickpea Pasta Salad. It's got a little bit of everything—tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, avocado, feta and so much more—all mixed in with protein-filled chickpea pasta and tossed with a cheesy Italian dressing.
This pasta salad also steers clear of items like olives and beans that deter picky eaters, so you know it will be a hit at your next family gathering! It's great for potlucks, holidays, BBQs, and even picnics. Plus, it's also filled with plenty of vegetables to balance out your meal.
Enjoy this pasta salad for picky eaters as is or feel free to add a protein to bulk it up even more.
Chickpea Pasta Ingredients
Noodles: I used a box of Banza noodles for some added protein.
Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy!
Tomatoes: I used mini grape tomatoes. They're so easy to slice and throw in.
Bell Pepper: I used a red one to add some more color!
Feta Cheese: If you're new around here...my go-to cheese is feta. I love the creaminess it adds to this pasta salad!
Green Onion: Adds some sharp and bright flavor which is great contrast.
Avocado: A creamy, healthy fat!
Basil: Fresh basil leaves add so much flavor.
Dressing: I used Trader Joe’s Italian Dressing with Romano Cheese.
Kitchen equipment & tools needed
To make this healthy Chickpea Pasta Salad, you'll need a sauce pot, strainer, cutting board, tongs, knife, and a salad bowl.
How to make this Chickpea Pasta Salad
- Start by preparing the noodles according to the box instructions.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the fresh vegetables. Wash and finely dice the cucumber, grape tomatoes, red pepper, and green onion.
- Slide the avocado into thin slices or cubes and julienne the basil leaves.
- Once the noodles are cooked, strain and rinse with cold water. Place them in a salad bowl.
- Toss noodles with Italian dressing. Add cucumber, grape tomatoes, red pepper, feta cheese, green onion, and diced basil leaves to the noodles. Stir together.
- Garnish with more fresh ingredients or enjoy right away!
You can also watch the Chickpea Pasta Salad Web Story here!
Pasta Salad FAQ
What's the best way to store this pasta salad?
Store this pasta salad in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Note that it's best to store the avocado separately if you're making this recipe for meal prep. The avocado will brown quickly in the pasta.
Any tips for success?
Finely chop all of the vegetables so you get all of them in each bite! I find this vegetable chopper from Amazon extremely helpful.
Does it matter what kind of pasta I use?
A classic rotini or elbow pasta is best because it holds dressing well. Avoid loose noodles like linguine or angel hair.
Can I make this pasta salad dairy free?
Sure! Simply omit the feta cheese and swap out the dressing for one that is dairy-free.
Can you recommend a protein to add?
I think crispy chicken thighs, sizzly bacon, or marinated beef tenderloin pieces would taste amazing with this healthy pasta salad!
Link to other recipes below
Easy Chickpea Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Healthy Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box banza noodles, 8 oz
- 1 cup english cucumber
- ½ cup mini grape tomatoes
- ½ cup red pepper
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup diced green onion
- 1 avocado
- 8-10 basil leaves
- ⅓ cup Trader Joe’s Italian Dressing with Romano Cheese
Instructions
- Start by preparing the noodles according to the box instructions.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the fresh vegetables. Wash and finely dice the cucumber, grape tomatoes, red pepper, and green onion.
- Slide the avocado into thin slices or cubes and julienne the basil leaves.
- Once the noodles are cooked, strain and rinse with cold water. Place them in a salad bowl.
- Toss noodles with Italian dressing. Add cucumber, grape tomatoes, red pepper, feta cheese, green onion, and diced basil leaves to the noodles. Stir together.
- Garnish with more fresh ingredients or enjoy right away!
Notes
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved, something that you think it might need, or just say hi!
Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?
If you're using MyFitnessPal, search 'A Paige Of Positivity' and find Healthy Pasta Salad
1 cookie: 44 grams Carbs | 19 gram Fat | 15 grams Protein
**Disclaimer: for most accurate macronutrients and caloric breakdown, it is recommended that you input each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal food diary.
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