This Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, garbanzo beans, feta, and a bright lemon dressing for a satisfying meal prep pasta salad.
You all loved my Dense Bean Salad and my Greek Marinated Chickpeas, so when I started developing my next pasta salad recipe I knew it had to feature those same fresh Mediterranean flavors. That's how this pasta salad with garbanzo beans came to life!
This Greek chickpea pasta salad is everything I want in a meal prep salad. It's fresh, filling, and packed with texture from crisp vegetables, chickpeas, and pasta. With a bright lemon dressing and salty feta, it's the kind of salad I'm still excited to eat even after four days in the fridge (it actually gets better the longer it sits!).
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Higher in fiber. Chickpeas and higher fiber pasta help boost the fiber content, making this salad more filling and supportive of digestion.
- Great for meal prep. This salad holds up well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for prepping lunches ahead of time.
- More satisfying and balanced option! With pasta, beans, vegetables, and optional turkey, this beans pasta salad includes carbohydrates, protein, and fiber to help keep you full.
Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Pasta. I always recommend using a higher fiber pasta option when available to you, this helps create a more satisfying salad perfect for meals! Opt for a pasta shape such as fusili, macaroni or shells as they absorb the dressing a bit more!
Chickpeas. Chickpeas or white beans are both amazing options in this salad You can even do a mix of both!
Parsley. Flat leafed Italian parsley helps add a fresh flavor!
Spinach. You can choose to use spinach or kale, just ensure it is chopped very small!
Feta. A MUST to bring this Greek salad together
Cherry tomatoes. I use cherry tomatoes in meal prep salads because they tend to leak less moisture than other larger varieties of salads- making them less likely to make a salad soggy!
Red onions. The perfect addition for a sharp flavor!
Cucumbers. Persian cucumbers are perfect in meal prep friendly salads due to their lower moisture content!
Turkey meat. For a lean protein I use nitrate free turkey breast however shredded chicken will also work great!
Kalamata olives. For a salty addition use sliced kalamata olives. If you are in a pinch black olives will work as well!
Dressing. Olive oil, lemon juice lemon zest, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, chickpeas, spinach, parsley, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, canned artichokes, olive, feta cheese and turkey breast.
- In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, chickpeas, spinach, parsley, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, canned artichokes, olive, feta cheese and turkey breast.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: Gluten free pasta is an amazing substitute to easily make this pasta salad gluten free! My favorites are Chickapea for a higher protein option or Catelli gluten free for a more traditional pasta!
To make vegan: This salad can be made vegan by omitting the turkey meat and substituting feta cheese with a dairy free option
To make dairy-free: Swap the feta with a dairy free feta cheese such as VioLife!
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut free!
My favourite thing about salads like this is they are so easy to customize! Chickpeas can be swapped for white beans, or even black eyed peas if you prefer (these are typically my go-to for a more mild flavour)!
Feel free to swap out kale for the spinach or any vegetables you prefer!
Equipment
Storage
This pasta salad with garbanzo beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Top Tips for Success
Dice up everything nice and small to ensure you are getting a taste of everything in every bite! I love using a produce chopper to help make this easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes of course! Any protein of choice will work great in this salad.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
If you liked this pasta salad with garbanzo beans, try these recipes:
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this pasta salad with garbanzo beans, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry fusilli pasta (high fiber if available)
- 2 540 mL can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1.5 cups flat leafed Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup canned artichokes, chopped
- ½ cup sliced kalamata olives
- ¾ cup cubed feta cheese
- 250 g nitrate free turkey breast, chopped (optional)
Greek dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside to cool.
- Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano in a glass jar or bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, chickpeas, spinach, parsley, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, canned artichokes, olive, feta cheese and turkey breast.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Nicole Addison says
The perfect option for a quick and easy high fiber meal prep salad! Enjoy!!