Cold Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Chickpeas, Olives & Feta
This healthy Mediterranean pasta salad is a refreshing and protein-rich dish loaded with chickpeas, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and crisp vegetables. Perfect as a vegetarian summer side dish, light lunch, or meal prep salad!
Ingredients:
8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon Garlic Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and parsley. Pour the dressing over and toss until well combined.
4. Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold and enjoy this refreshing pasta salad full of Mediterranean flavor!
Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 4):
Calories: 370
Protein: 13g
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 40g
Fiber: 6g
Cold Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Healthy Vegetarian Recipe
