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Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas Recipe

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3.8 from 56 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Lemon Herb Pasta Salad featuring marinated chickpeas, fresh lemon zest, and aromatic herbs, tossed with farfalle pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, served warm, cold, or at room temperature.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinated Chickpeas

  • 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or crushed into a paste
  • 1 generous squeeze of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Pasta Salad

  • 8 ounces farfalle pasta
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (as needed)
  • Juice and zest of one lemon
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley and basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinated chickpeas: In a shallow bowl, combine the chickpeas, 1/4 cup olive oil, grated garlic, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well to coat the chickpeas evenly. For best flavor, let this mixture marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight. If short on time, proceed immediately to the next step allowing the flavors to develop as you cook.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
  3. Toss pasta with chickpeas: While the pasta is still hot, combine it with the marinated chickpeas. Toss gently to blend and let the pasta cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Add additional dressing and herbs: Drizzle more olive oil as needed over the pasta and chickpeas. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and finely chopped parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad last, so it doesn’t fully melt into the warm pasta, preserving its texture and flavor.
  6. Serve: This salad can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Garnish with extra lemon wedges, Parmesan, and fresh herbs as desired for an added burst of freshness.

Notes

  • Marinating chickpeas overnight enhances the flavor but it is optional if you’re short on time.
  • Farfallle pasta works great but you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini or penne.
  • Adjust olive oil quantity according to your preference for dressing consistency.
  • This salad makes a great make-ahead dish and tastes even better after flavors meld for a few hours.
  • Parmesan can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese alternative for a vegan version.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-herb-pasta-salad-with-marinated-chickpeas-recipe/