Lemon Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas
Lemon Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas
Ingredients
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic, cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
For the Salad
- 15 ounces chickpeas, 1 can, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
- 8 ounces short pasta, such as rotini, penne, or orecchiette
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Marinate Chickpeas and Feta: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas and the crumbled or cubed feta cheese to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Use a spatula to gently stir and ensure the chickpeas and feta are thoroughly coated. This step helps remove any 'canned taste' from the chickpeas and allows the feta to become creamy.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Allow to Marinate: Let the chickpeas and feta marinate in the dressing while you cook the pasta. This passive time allows the flavors to meld and the feta to soften.
⏱️ 15 min
- 4
Cook Pasta: While the chickpeas and feta are marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
⏱️ 10 min
- 5
Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starches help the dressing cling to it.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
Assemble the Salad: Add the warm, drained pasta directly to the bowl with the marinated chickpeas and feta. The warmth of the pasta will help the dressing and feta become even creamier.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in the chopped fresh basil and fresh mint.
⏱️ 1 min
- 8
Final Toss and Serve: Mix all ingredients together thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and coated with the bright lemon herb dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy this bright, zesty, and fiber-rich pasta salad!
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Lemon Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic, cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
For the Salad
- 15 ounces chickpeas, 1 can, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
- 8 ounces short pasta, such as rotini, penne, or orecchiette
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Marinate Chickpeas and Feta: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas and the crumbled or cubed feta cheese to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Use a spatula to gently stir and ensure the chickpeas and feta are thoroughly coated. This step helps remove any 'canned taste' from the chickpeas and allows the feta to become creamy.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Allow to Marinate: Let the chickpeas and feta marinate in the dressing while you cook the pasta. This passive time allows the flavors to meld and the feta to soften.
⏱️ 15 min - 4
Cook Pasta: While the chickpeas and feta are marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
⏱️ 10 min - 5
Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starches help the dressing cling to it.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
Assemble the Salad: Add the warm, drained pasta directly to the bowl with the marinated chickpeas and feta. The warmth of the pasta will help the dressing and feta become even creamier.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in the chopped fresh basil and fresh mint.
⏱️ 1 min - 8
Final Toss and Serve: Mix all ingredients together thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and coated with the bright lemon herb dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy this bright, zesty, and fiber-rich pasta salad!
⏱️ 1 min