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Easy • Vegetarian

Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta

A light and flavorful vegetarian pasta dish packed with chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta

Bright, fresh, and unbelievably satisfying – meet your new favorite meatless meal: Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta! This dish is a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean flavors, combining hearty chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and al dente pasta, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, a hearty lunch, or even a picnic!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini, orecchiette, or penne work well)
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for vegetarian not vegan)
  • For the Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    While pasta cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the crumbled feta cheese (if using) and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Tips

  • Don't overcook your pasta for this dish; al dente works best for cold pasta salads.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time to let the flavors meld. You can even double it for a quick salad dressing later!
  • Add grilled halloumi or tempeh for extra protein, or toasted nuts for crunch.

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