Easy Chickpea Pasta Salad
This easy chickpea pasta salad is made with chickpea pasta, chickpeas, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, feta or goat cheese, and Italian dressing. It’s a simple, protein- and fiber-packed lunch or side dish that comes together in about 15 minutes!
Equipment
- measuring cup
- sauce pan
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz box chickpea pasta such as rotini, penne, macaroni
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved or quartered
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ⅓ cup Italian or Greek dressing plus more as needed
Instructions
- Cook the chickpea pasta according to package directions until just al dente, being careful not to overcook.
- Drain the pasta and briefly rinse under cool water. Allow it to drain well.
- Add the cooled pasta, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta or goat cheese to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour ⅓ cup Italian dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and add additional dressing as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
- Don't overcook the pasta: Chickpea pasta can become soft quickly, so cook it just until al dente for the best texture.
- Dressing: Start with ⅓ cup and add more as needed. If making the salad ahead, save a little dressing to toss with it just before serving.
- For toddlers: Quarter cherry or grape tomatoes lengthwise and modify the cucumber based on your child's eating abilities. Gently flatten chickpeas for younger eaters as needed.
- Mixed foods: If your toddler isn't into mixed foods yet, serve the pasta, chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and cheese separately with a little dressing for dipping.
- Lower sodium: Look for a lower-sodium Italian dressing and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly. Feta and dressing can both contribute quite a bit of sodium, so you can also use less feta or swap in a lower-sodium cheese like mozzarella pearls or small mozzarella cheese cubes.
Scroll up to see substitution options. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to TAG ME in your creations on social media @toddlerdietitiantiff and leave me a review! I love seeing how you and your little ones enjoy them!
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?Let me know how it was or tag me on Instagram @toddlerdietitiantiff