Go Back
+ servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad That Will Brighten Your Day

A refreshing Zesty Italian Pasta Salad with chickpeas and vibrant veggies, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Fusilli Pasta Whole grain recommended
  • 1 can Chickpeas Rinsed
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Mini Sweet Peppers Diced
  • ½ cup Pepperoncini Peppers Optional
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives Sliced
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • ½ cup Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese Diced
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil High-quality recommended
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Pepperoncini Brine Or fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small Shallot Finely minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the fusilli pasta in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepperoncini brine, minced shallot, garlic, oregano, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, diced mini sweet peppers, spinach, olives, Parmesan cheese, and provolone or mozzarella. Mix well.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Ideal to chill overnight for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, serve chilled. Customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!