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Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Greek Pasta Salad with Chickpeas combines fresh vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and smoky turkey bacon in a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. A perfect light and protein-packed dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors, ideal for quick lunches, potlucks, or wholesome meals on the go.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Legumes

  • 2 cups short pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Protein and Cheese

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta (plant-based)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, natural gelling agent, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Chop the Veggies and Bacon: Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and crumble the plant-based feta. Cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add chickpeas, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, olives, and parsley to the pasta. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra crumbled plant-based feta, parsley, or Kalamata olives if desired.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to hold the salad’s structure.
  • Allow the salad to chill before serving to enhance flavor infusion.
  • Add fresh herbs at the last moment for brightness rather than dried herbs.
  • Adjust apple cider vinegar gradually to balance the dressing’s acidity.
  • Gently rinse chickpeas to keep them whole and maintain texture and appearance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, chickpeas salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy pasta salad, plant-based feta, smoked turkey bacon

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/greek-pasta-salad-with-chickpeas/