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A large bowl of chickpea pesto pasta salad topped with fresh basil.
Course Side Dish, vegetarian

Healthy Chickpea Pesto Pasta Salad {Vegetarian}

By: Elysia
Servings 6 - 8 servings
This healthy chickpea pesto pasta salad is made with whole grain pasta and no mayo for a delicious protein and fibre packed vegetarian side dish or summer main. Made with just 5 ingredients, this pasta salad recipe is quick and easy to make and can be made ahead of time. {Vegetarian & can be made gluten-free}
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb dry whole-grain bowtie pasta (can sub in gluten-free pasta if desired)
  • 1 1/2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup pesto homemade or storebought

Optional Add-ins:

  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, until it reaches an al dente consistency. Drain the water.
  • Add the cooked pasta, halved tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese and pesto to a large bowl and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
  • Serve immediately or place in the fridge for later use.

Notes

  • Can use store-bought pesto, or better yet, try out this homemade pesto!
  • Cook pasta to al dente consistency to prevent the pasta from being too mushy
  • Use tri-coloured cherry or grape tomatoes to add a beautiful pop of colour to the salad
  • Use no salt-added canned chickpeas and give them a good rinse to reduce sodium content or cook your own!
  • If possible, allow the pasta salad to sit for at least 30 minutes. It helps all of those flavours come together!
  • Can be stored in the fridge up to three days.

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 409mgPotassium: 261mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 806IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 158mgIron: 3mg
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