Pasta salad is an incredibly versatile dish, perfect for any occasion. It shines at summer barbecues, picnics in the park, or even as a light side dish for a family dinner. You can pair it with grilled chicken skewers for a hearty bite or serve it alongside a simple vegetable platter to keep things light.
A slice of homemade garlic bread can elevate the experience to a whole new level. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine? Believe me, the crisp taste complements the salad perfectly.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh, seasonal vegetables is key. They don’t just add color; they elevate the dish’s flavor profile. From crunchy bell peppers to ripe cherry tomatoes, each ingredient brings something unique to the table. Plus, the bright colors are a feast for the eyes.
2. Customization
This pasta salad is as flexible as a gymnast! You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don’t like chickpeas? Try black beans or even grilled chicken. Want a different veggie? Toss in some broccoli or cucumbers.
3. Homemade Dressing
The homemade zesty dressing adds a fresh pop of flavor that bottled dressings just can’t replicate. The balance of extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs makes every bite sing. And did I mention it’s incredibly simple to whip up?
4. Make-Ahead-Friendly
It’s a lifesaver during busy weeks. The flavors mature beautifully as it sits in the fridge, and it saves you precious time when you’re gearing up for a gathering. You can easily say goodbye to last-minute cooking stress.
How Does It Taste?
Picture this: each forkful of the pasta salad bursts with vibrant and zesty flavors. The chickpeas offer a delightful chewiness that pairs perfectly with the al dente pasta. Crispy veggies contribute crunch, while the dressing drapes everything together in a harmonious blend that dances on your taste buds.
The tanginess from the pepperoncini peppers adds a little heat, while the fresh mozzarella gives that satisfying creamy element. Each ingredient plays its part, creating a symphony (oops, there I go with the music again!) of flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible.
What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Pasta Salad Variations?
Many traditional pasta salads load up on cured meats and various cheeses. While that can be delicious, this recipe provides a lighter, vegetarian twist that’s still substantial.
The chickpeas used here enhance the protein content, making the salad a filling choice without the heaviness of meats. Moreover, using fresh veggies allows the dish to be colorful and nutrient-rich. This pasta salad excludes any artificial flavors, relying instead on the items you can pronounce.
The Ingredients
For the Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons each dried oregano and dried basil
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar (or red wine vinegar for depth)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, chopped
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- ½ cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped
- 8 ounces of salami, cubed or thinly sliced (optional)
- 10-ounce container of cherry tomatoes, sliced in halves
- ½ cup thinly shaved red onion
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 pound dry rotini pasta (or any short pasta shape)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, halved if large
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add your dry rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta cooks, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the granulated sugar, oregano, dried basil, olive oil, white vinegar, kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well blended.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
As the pasta cooks, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Slice the pepperoncini peppers, chop the roasted red bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly shave the red onion. Each chopped vegetable adds its signature flair to the final dish.
Step 4: Drain and Cool the Pasta
Once your pasta reaches perfection, drain it in a colander. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. You don’t want mushy pasta in your salad!
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chickpeas, pepperoncini, roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, mozzarella pearls, and parsley. Pour the homemade dressing over the assembled ingredients.
Step 6: Toss to Combine
Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until they’re well coated in the dressing. Take your time with this step. Ensuring every piece is coated leads to a tastier salad!
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. If possible, you can let it sit overnight for deeper flavor. When you are ready to serve, give it another toss!
Notes
1. Flavor Adjustments: Be willing to tweak the dressing; everyone’s taste varies!
2. Gluten-Free Substitute: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta if needed.
3. Vegan Version: Omit the mozzarella and salami for a vegan-friendly option.
4. Extra Crunch: For added texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
5. Fresh Herbs: Use any fresh herbs you have on hand to amplify freshness.
Nutrition Information
This Italian Pasta Salad offers a nutritious balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables. A single serving typically contains 300-400 calories, depending on ingredients used. It’s rich in fiber thanks to chickpeas and veggies, and the healthy fats from olive oil are heart-friendly.
How Do You Store This Pasta Salad Recipe?
To preserve freshness, store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making it taste even better on the second day.
Sides for Pasta Salad Recipe
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender chunks of chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs make a fantastic pairing. The smoky grilled flavors complement the tanginess of the salad. Serve them on skewers for easy eating!
Vegetable Platter
A colorful assortment of fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers provides a crunchy contrast to the pasta salad. You can add a vibrant hummus dip for a tasty addition.
Garlic Bread
Nothing beats the classic taste of warm garlic bread. The buttery flavor pairs beautifully and provides a delightful texture contrast. It’s the perfect side to accompany your pasta salad feast.
Alternative Ingredients
1. For Chickpeas: Use black beans or kidney beans if you want a protein boost or a different taste.
2. Pepperoncini Peppers: If you can’t find these, jalapeños or banana peppers can work well for a spicy kick.
3. Fresh Mozzarella: If you don’t have mozzarella, crumbled feta adds a different flavor while keeping the creaminess.
4. Olives: Swap Kalamata olives for green olives or skip them entirely if they’re not your favorite.
Conclusion
There you have it! A delightful journey through the world of Italian Pasta Salad with Chickpeas. This salad shows us that blooms of flavor can coexist with simplicity, making it the ideal dish for any summer gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, it’s sure to please everyone’s palate.
Grab your ingredients, set your playlist for the grill, and prepare for compliments from family and friends. Enjoy each forkful knowing you’ve crafted something fresh, easy, and downright delicious. Cheers to pasta salad season!
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- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
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Pasta Salad Recipe – Recipes From Chef
Description
As the sun starts to cast its golden light on summer afternoons, there’s a growing excitement that stirs in the air. Grills are fired up, coolers are packed, and vibrant salads take center stage.
Among them, pasta salad holds a special place. This Italian Pasta Salad with Chickpeas, Veggies, and a Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing has won my heart and those of countless others. With its fresh ingredients and satisfying flavor, it’s bound to be the hit at any gathering.
Imagine sitting in your backyard, surrounded by friends, as laughter fills the air and someone passes around a bowl of this colorful pasta delight. It’s kid-friendly, quick to prepare, and can easily be made in advance to save you the last-minute rush.
That’s the beauty of it! Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or attending a potluck, this recipe proves itself time and again. Let’s dive deeper into why this pasta salad recipe works wonders.
Ingredients
For the Italian Pasta Salad Dressing:
For the Pasta Salad:
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
-
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it's at a rolling boil, add your dry rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
-
While the pasta cooks, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the granulated sugar, oregano, dried basil, olive oil, white vinegar, kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well blended.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
-
As the pasta cooks, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Slice the pepperoncini peppers, chop the roasted red bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly shave the red onion. Each chopped vegetable adds its signature flair to the final dish.
Step 4: Drain and Cool the Pasta
-
Once your pasta reaches perfection, drain it in a colander. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. You don’t want mushy pasta in your salad!
Step 5: Combine Everything
-
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chickpeas, pepperoncini, roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, mozzarella pearls, and parsley. Pour the homemade dressing over the assembled ingredients.
Step 6: Toss to Combine
-
Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until they’re well coated in the dressing. Take your time with this step. Ensuring every piece is coated leads to a tastier salad!
Step 7: Chill and Serve
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. If possible, you can let it sit overnight for deeper flavor. When you are ready to serve, give it another toss!
Note
- 1. Flavor Adjustments: Be willing to tweak the dressing; everyone's taste varies!
- 2. Gluten-Free Substitute: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 3. Vegan Version: Omit the mozzarella and salami for a vegan-friendly option.
- 4. Extra Crunch: For added texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
- 5. Fresh Herbs: Use any fresh herbs you have on hand to amplify freshness.
