Arugula, Chickpea & Pasta Salad

Are you in the mood for a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s also easy to prepare? Look no further! This Mediterranean-inspired Arugula, Chickpea & Pasta Salad is not only a delight to your taste buds but also a wholesome and satisfying meal. Packed with arugula’s peppery kick, the creaminess of chickpeas, and the zing of lemon, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Arugula Pasta Salad

You’ll love this Arugula Pasta Salad for several fantastic reasons:

1. Vibrant Flavors: The combination of peppery arugula, creamy chickpeas, zesty lemon, and savory sun-dried tomatoes creates a harmonious explosion of flavors in every bite.
2. Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dish to impress.
3. Mediterranean Inspiration: With Mediterranean influences, this salad brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with its fresh and wholesome ingredients.
4. Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with nutritious arugula and protein-rich chickpeas, it’s a wholesome meal that keeps you feeling satisfied and energized.
5. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like pine nuts, goat cheese, or red pepper flakes to make it your own.
6. Versatile: Serve it as a light main dish or as a side to complement various meals. It’s suitable for any occasion.
7. Meal Prep-Friendly: Prepare a batch in advance and store it for easy, on-the-go lunches or dinners.
8. Refreshing Lemon Dressing: The lemon zest and juice in the dressing give the salad a refreshing and citrusy kick, making it perfect for any season.

In short, this Arugula Pasta Salad is a culinary masterpiece that combines simplicity, healthiness, and delightful flavors in one bowl. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a go-to recipe for anyone who appreciates the beauty of a well-balanced and satisfying salad.

Ingredients for this Arugula Pasta Salad with Chickpeas

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 2 cups of pasta of your choice (I used shells)
• 3 cups of arugula
• 1 tsp of lemon zest
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbsp of olive oil (extra virgin works great)
• A pinch of salt
• Parmesan cheese shavings for garnish.

How to Make this Delicious Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad

1. Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions. We recommend cooking it to al dente to maintain the perfect texture for your salad.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, immediately run it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
3. Rinse and drain your chickpeas, and then add them to a large mixing bowl.
4. Now, it’s time to build those flavors! Add in the arugula, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooled pasta, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Drizzle the olive oil over everything and season with a pinch of salt.
5. Give all the ingredients a good mix until they’re well combined. You’ll notice the vibrant colors and enticing aromas coming together.
6. To add a touch of elegance, garnish your salad with a few shavings of Parmesan cheese. The contrast of the salty Parmesan with the zesty lemon is truly irresistible.

What is Bowl is Best for Serving Salads

The best bowl for serving salads is typically a wide and shallow bowl. This design allows for easy tossing and mixing of salad ingredients, ensuring that the dressing coats the greens evenly. Additionally, a wide bowl provides ample space to display the salad’s colorful ingredients, making it visually appealing. However, the choice of bowl can also depend on personal preference and the type of salad being served.

How to Store This Pasta Salad

To store this pasta salad and keep it fresh for later consumption, follow these simple steps:

1. Cool It Down: Allow the pasta salad to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the salad soggy.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the pasta salad into an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain freshness.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
4. Optional Extra Protection: If you plan to store the salad for an extended period or want to keep it extra fresh, you can cover the top of the pasta salad with a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the container. This helps create an additional barrier against air.
5. Avoid Freezing: While you can technically freeze pasta salad, it’s not recommended. The texture of the ingredients, particularly the arugula and tomatoes, can change and become less appealing upon thawing.
6. Stir Before Serving: When you’re ready to enjoy your pasta salad again, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. You may also want to add a touch of fresh lemon juice to revive the zesty flavors.

By following these storage tips, your pasta salad will stay fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy for several days. It’s a convenient and tasty option for quick, no-fuss meals or snacks.

Tips for Making This Arugula Pasta Salad

• For an extra burst of flavor and a hint of heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes over your salad.
• If you love experimenting with flavors, try adding some pine nuts or goat cheese for an extra layer of complexity.
• To turn this into a meal prep favorite, simply portion it into containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches.
• The lemon dressing in this recipe adds a refreshing twist, making it perfect for a light and satisfying meal any time of the year.

Other Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes

• Creamy Spring Pasta Salad with Asparagus 
• Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Lemon Herb Pasta Salad

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a Mediterranean-inspired Arugula, Chickpea & Pasta Salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen, whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful side dish for a special occasion. Enjoy the fresh flavors, and don’t forget to save this recipe for future cravings!