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Italian Pasta Salad

Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad with Chickpeas for Summer Fun

This Italian Pasta Salad combines fresh veggies and chickpeas for a nutritious summer delight, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape.
  • 1 can Chickpeas Drained and rinsed.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Diced.
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers Sliced.
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives Pitted and sliced.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated.
  • ½ cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Cubed.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Fresh.
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Opt for high-quality oil.
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine or Lemon Juice Choose as preferred.
  • 2 tbsp Shallots Minced.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Dried Parsley
  • 1 pinch Kosher Salt To taste.
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely while you prepare the dressing.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine or lemon juice. Add minced shallots, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta, drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced mini sweet peppers, baby spinach, sliced pepperoncini, and pitted kalamata olives. Add freshly grated Parmesan and cubed provolone cheese. Gently fold all ingredients together.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until the pasta and veggies are completely coated.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gFiber: 8gSugar: 3g

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Revitalize flavors with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

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