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Italian Pasta Salad

Healthier Italian Pasta Salad for Your Summer Gatherings

This Healthy Italian Pasta Salad with Chickpeas is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Substitute with whole grain or gluten-free pasta if desired.
  • 1 can Chickpeas Can swap with canned white beans.
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes Diced tomatoes of any variety can be used.
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Regular bell peppers are an acceptable substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers Use sliced jalapeños for more spice if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Green olives can also be used.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Opt for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Can be omitted for a vegan option.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Replace with arugula or mixed greens for variety.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Choose a high-quality oil for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes.
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine Fresh lemon juice can work too.
  • 1 small Shallot Can be swapped with red onion.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Substitute with garlic powder for convenience.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Consider fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Consider fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Adjust according to taste based on other salt sources.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust according to taste based on other salt sources.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, then add the fusilli pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine. Finely chop shallots and garlic, adding to the mixture with dried oregano, dried parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until emulsified and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled fusilli pasta with drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mini sweet peppers, and baby spinach. Toss in pepperoncini peppers, Kalamata olives, and grated cheese.
  4. Pour dressing over the pasta salad mixture, ensuring all components are coated. Toss everything together gently.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Chill the salad for at least 1 to 2 hours to enhance the flavors. Serve at room temperature for optimal taste.

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