Go Back
+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Refreshing Italian Pasta Salad Loaded with Chickpeas & Veggies

A vibrant Italian Pasta Salad with chickpeas and fresh veggies, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta Substitute with rotini or penne if needed.
  • 1 can Chickpeas Canned is convenient, but using cooked dried chickpeas offers a wholesome touch.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes work well as substitutes.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Any color bell pepper can be an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers Jalapeños are a spicier option.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Feel free to replace them with green olives.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano or omit for a dairy-free version.
  • 1/2 cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Vegan cheese or omitting for a lighter salad are great options.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Kale or arugula can be swapped in.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Any good quality oil is suitable, but avoid those with strong flavors.
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar are perfect substitutes.
  • 2 tablespoons Pepperoncini Brine Use lemon juice for brightness if preferred.
  • 1 medium Shallot Finely chopped.
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh herbs significantly elevate the flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley Fresh herbs significantly elevate the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to your taste preferences.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium Bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine. Add finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, dried oregano, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta with chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mini sweet peppers, fresh baby spinach, sliced kalamata olives, and grated Parmesan and provolone cheese. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Cook the pasta al dente and allow the salad to cool for the flavors to meld beautifully. Customize ingredients as desired.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!