Name: Chickpea Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz chickpea pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Water to thin, if needed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chickpea Pasta Salad is everything you could want in a healthy, easy-to-make meal. It’s a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, thanks to the chickpea pasta and fresh veggies. The creamy tahini dressing provides a rich, nutty flavor that complements the bright lemon zest and juice. Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for a filling yet light meal, this salad ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to add or swap vegetables according to what you have on hand!

Ingredients

8 oz chickpea pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Water to thin, if needed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add water a little at a time to reach your desired dressing consistency.
Pour the creamy lemon tahini dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. The total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and if you choose to chill it for a bit, add another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Variations

Add protein: For extra protein, try adding roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, or tofu.
Change up the veggies: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies like spinach, arugula, olives, or red cabbage.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little heat.
Noodles swap: If you can’t find chickpea pasta, any gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta can work in this recipe.
Tahini alternative: If you’re not a fan of tahini, swap it for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad actually tastes even better after sitting for a while, so it’s great for meal prep. You can serve it cold or at room temperature. If the salad seems too dry after storing, just drizzle in a little extra olive oil or water to refresh the dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Yes, you can swap regular pasta for chickpea pasta if you’re not looking for the extra protein and fiber. However, chickpea pasta is a great gluten-free option.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make it spicy, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tahini dressing.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will even improve as they marinate.

4. Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this Chickpea Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing is fully vegan, as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey.

5. What can I use instead of tahini?

If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter for a similar creamy texture.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Yes! This recipe is very customizable. Feel free to add or swap any vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, or olives, depending on your preferences.

7. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, make sure to rinse it under cold water right after cooking to stop the cooking process. Also, don’t overcook it!

8. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, chickpea pasta is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels on other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

9. Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought tahini dressing or any other dressing of your choice, but the homemade dressing adds a fresh and customized touch.

10. How do I add more protein to this dish?

You can add roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, tofu, or even some quinoa to boost the protein content of this salad.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a versatile and satisfying choice that everyone will love. With its fresh veggies, protein-packed pasta, and creamy dressing, it’s a dish that hits all the right notes!