Description
This colorful Vegan Pasta Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, fragrant herbs, and tangy Kalamata olives, all tossed in a bright and zesty homemade Italian dressing. It is a fresh, filling, and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for lunches, picnics, potlucks, and meal prep, embodying Mediterranean and Italian flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or bow-tie pasta
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or bow-tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely sliced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh basil.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all the components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad refreshing to serve.
- Serve and adjust seasoning: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Add avocado just before serving for extra creaminess.
- You can substitute white beans or lentils for chickpeas as alternative protein options.
- For more flavor variety, add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Store the salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- If the salad dries out after chilling, refresh it by adding a little olive oil and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
