Go Back
+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Pasta Salad That's Perfect for Summer Fun

A refreshing Italian Pasta Salad loaded with chickpeas, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces Fusilli Pasta Optionally gluten-free
  • 1 can Chickpeas Rinsed
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Chopped
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Or arugula
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil High quality recommended
  • ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Pepperoncini Brine Or lemon juice
  • 1 Shallot Finely chopped
  • 1 Garlic Clove Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese Omit for dairy-free version
  • ¼ cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Consider dairy-free alternatives

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook fusilli pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and pepperoncini brine. Add shallot, garlic, oregano, and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled fusilli pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mix, tossing gently to coat all ingredients.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!