Chickpea Pasta Salad

Name: Chickpea Pasta Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta noodles (I used chickpea pasta but any noodles will work); ⅔ cup greek yogurt (plain and unsweetened (I used 0%)); 1 lemon (juiced (approx. 4 Tbsp)); 4 Tbsp dill (finely chopped); ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped); 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped); 1 cucumber (cut into small pieces); 15 oz can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

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This chickpea pasta salad is made with tender pasta noodles, fresh veggies, and a refreshing, creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Tossed together in minutes, it’s the best summer recipe for picnics, barbecues, and meal prep!

Chickpea pasta salad with greek yogurt dressing and mix ins.

Pasta salad is having a moment right now, and I’m totally here for it. After all, does anything scream summer like freshly cooked pasta noodles coated in dressing and mixed with all your favorite fresh veggies? I personally don’t think so!

Best of all, this chickpea Greek salad is one of the best ways to use up all the produce you bought from your local farmer’s market. Simple, delicious, and nutritious, it’s great to serve as a tasty side dish and can easily double as a main course.

In fact, it’s so tasty, you’re probably going to want to go ahead and make a double batch. It tends to disappear fast!

For more crowd-pleasing pasta salad recipes, check out my zesty Italian pasta salad and deviled egg pasta salad, too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Notes
What type of pasta is best for pasta salad?
Can I use a plant-based yogurt?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Variations
Expert Tips
Can I make this chickpea pasta salad ahead of time?
How to Store
Frequently Asked Questions
For more pasta recipes, check out my:
Recipe
Reviews

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian, nut free, gluten free-friendly, and vegan-friendly
High-protein
Packed full of nutrients and fiber
A crowd-pleasing dish
Great to make in advance

Ingredients & Notes

Pasta - Any type of pasta will work in this chickpea cucumber salad. For the best results, I recommend using short noodles.
Greek yogurt - Make sure to use plain flavored. This replaces the mayonnaise found in traditional chickpea pasta salad recipes, creating the same tangy flavor while adding a boost of protein.
Produce - Red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber create a pop of color, adding nutrients and texture to the dish.
Chickpeas - Also known as garbanzo beans, these add lots of plant-based protein and fiber while contributing a soft, poppable texture to the chickpea Greek salad.

What type of pasta is best for pasta salad?

A short noodle is typically best for pasta salads. I like to use rotini, spirals, penne, elbow, or shells for this chickpea pasta salad. Something long or large like spaghetti or linguine noodles are best served warm so they aren't great for pasta salad.

You can also use regular noodles, gluten free, or protein noodles in this recipe. I used a chickpea pasta to add more protein and fiber to the dish.

Whichever type of pasta you choose, make sure to cook it to al dente so it doesn't get mushy once mixed with the dressing.

Overhead view of chickpea pasta salad with a greek yogurt dressing.

Can I use a plant-based yogurt?

To make this pasta salad vegan, use a plant-based yogurt. You will want to use a Greek-style yogurt which will be thicker and will provide similar results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The only cooking required for this chickpea pasta salad is boiling the noodles! As a result, it comes together in minutes and is so easy to make.

Step 1: Boil the pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the directions. Then, strain the water, and set the noodles aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped veggies, distributing them evenly.

Greek yogurt mixed with dill and herbs in a glass cup.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients. Run cold water over the pasta noodles to break them up.

Transfer the pasta to a large bowl along with the chickpeas. Pour the dressing on top, and toss to combine and coat the noodles and chickpeas.

Chickpeas, cucumbers, and bell peppers about to be tossed in a greek yogurt dressing.

Step 4: Serve. Sprinkle extra dill on top, and enjoy your chickpea cucumber salad cold!

Variations

Toss in some slices of chicken or shrimp for more protein.
Sprinkle some feta cheese crumbles over the chickpea cucumber salad.
Add tofu or white beans to the chickpea pasta salad for more vegetarian protein.
Gently stir in avocado chunks once the dressing is tossed with the pasta.
Use a plant-based Greek yogurt to make this recipe vegan.

Chickpea pasta salad in a large wooden bowl.

Expert Tips

Cook the pasta to al dente. This means the pasta is just done with a little bit of chewiness. This is best for pasta salad and helps the noodles from getting mushy after they’re tossed with the dressing.
Finely chop the vegetables that are being mixed into the salad. This allows for little pieces of the vegetables to be tossed throughout.
Add a splash of warm water to the pasta salad if it’s too thick to help toss the dressing.

Can I make this chickpea pasta salad ahead of time?

You can easily make this chickpea cucumber salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing the yogurt dressing as directed in a bowl or jar with a lid. Store it in the fridge along with the cooked noodles and chickpeas. When ready to serve, give the dressing a few big stirs, toss it with the noodles and chickpeas, and serve.

Pasta salad with noodles, chickpeas, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, add a splash of warm water, and gently toss the noodles to loosen up the yogurt dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chickpea Greek salad gluten free?

Yes, use gluten free pasta noodles to make this recipe gluten free.

Is chickpea pasta healthier than regular pasta?

This depends on your definition of “healthy”. However, chickpea pasta has much more fiber and won’t spike your blood sugar like regular pasta.

For more pasta recipes, check out my:

PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!

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