Chickpea Chorizo Power Pasta Salad

Chickpea & Chorizo Power Pasta Salad: 7 Tips for Maximum Protein & Flavour

Ever stare into the fridge, utterly stumped for lunch? I have. That's when the idea for this chickpea chorizo pasta salad hit me.

It's packed with flavour and protein and makes a fantastic meal. I call it "power pasta" because it really keeps you going!

This spicy chorizo pasta salad takes inspiration from the sunny Mediterranean. It's simple to whip up. Expect about 35 minutes total, and you will have a great high protein pasta salad for picnic .

It will yield 4 main course servings or 6 side servings.

Why This Pasta Salad Is The Bomb

Honestly, this salad is good for you and tastes amazing. The chickpeas provide plant based protein. The chorizo brings the heat.

It's a perfect make-ahead high protein lunch . This recipe stands out due to its bold flavors and nutritional benefits.

It makes it a super easy healthy side salads

Chickpea Chorizo Power Pasta Salad

Are you wondering how this protein pasta salad can be part of your next Bbq Side ? I've got your back!

What You'll Need

Here's the stuff you'll need, but you can substitute for whatever you have.

• Pasta (about 450g)
• Olive oil
• Chorizo (about 170g)
• 1 red bell pepper
• A can of chickpeas (about 425g)
• Kalamata olives (about 75g)
• Feta cheese (about 115g)
• Fresh parsley and mint (about 30g each)

Now, Let's Talk Dressing.

The lemon herb pasta salad dressing makes this dish sing! You will need olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper.

This light vinaigrette ties everything together. It's bright, zingy, and complements the spicy chorizo perfectly. This is also great with chickpea salad with feta.

On your mark, get set, cook!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chickpea Chorizo Pasta Salad

Let's get real about what you'll need for this amazing Chickpea chorizo pasta salad . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward. This pasta salad with chickpeas is super simple, honestly!

Main Ingredients: The Protein Powerhouse

Okay, so first, you'll need 1 pound (450g) of pasta . Penne, fusilli, or rotini are all great. Next, grab 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil .

Now, for the good stuff: 6 ounces (170g) of chorizo , diced. Try to find chorizo that's firm and smells spicy.

One 15-ounce (425g) can of chickpeas , drained and rinsed. Don't forget your veggies - one red bell pepper, diced! Some 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives , halved.

Finally, 4 ounces (115g) of feta cheese , crumbled. Feta should smell fresh and tangy. And, last but not least, 1/4 cup (30g) each of fresh parsley and mint , chopped.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Honestly, the dressing is where the magic happens in this lemon herb pasta salad . For the dressing, you'll need 1/4 cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil , 3 tablespoons (45ml) of lemon juice .

Make sure to buy good quality extra virgin olive oil for a flavour boost. One tablespoon (15ml) of Dijon mustard is a must.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano . A 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is optional, but highly recommended if you want some heat, making it a Spicy chorizo pasta salad .

Don't forget salt and pepper to taste.

Quick tip : If you don't have fresh garlic, a little garlic powder will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You won't need anything fancy for this Mediterranean pasta salad recipe . A large pot to cook the pasta is essential.

A colander to drain the pasta is needed. A large mixing bowl for tossing everything together. A small bowl or jar for the dressing.

All quite basic stuff, really. You are ready to make-ahead High Protein Lunch .

This salad is not only delicious but also a source of Salad Protein . Moreover, it qualifies as one of the Healthy Side Salads you can easily whip up.

The High protein pasta salad for picnic and will become a family favourite. Plus, this chickpea salad with feta can be adapted in so many ways, it will become your go to High Protein Bbq Sides .

Cooking Method: Chickpea Chorizo Pasta Salad Power

Alright, buckle up, buttercup! We're diving headfirst into how to make my legendary chickpea chorizo pasta salad . Honestly, this isn't just food; it's an experience.

It’s perfect if you need a make-ahead high protein lunch or some healthy side salads . It is inspired by Mediterranean pasta salad recipe .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Before you even think about boiling water, mise en place is key! This means having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go.

It helps massively for all those high protein Bbq sides .

• Essential mise en place : Dice that pepper, crumble the feta, and get the herbs chopped. Think of it as a culinary dance you need to know the steps! Drain and rinse those chickpeas till they scream.
• Time saving organization tips : Chop the veggies while the pasta water is heating. It's like multitasking for the win!
• Safety reminders : Watch that hob! We're dealing with boiling water and hot oil. No one wants a burn .

step-by-step: From Zero to Hero

Right then, let's get cooking! This recipe is so easy, honestly, even your nan could do it. Remember, this is the Spicy chorizo pasta salad of your dreams.

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your pasta until al dente (about 8- 10 minutes ). Drain it quick, and rinse it in cold water! No one likes mushy pasta, mate.
2. Fry the Chorizo: Get that olive oil in a pan. Toss in the chorizo and cook until crispy, about 5- 7 minutes . Drain on kitchen paper, because nobody wants greasy chorizo .
3. Sauté the Pepper: Sauté the diced red bell pepper in the same pan for 3- 4 minutes .
4. Mix the Dressing: In a jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Shake it like a polaroid picture!
5. Combine It All: In a big bowl, toss the pasta, chorizo, pepper, chickpeas, olives, and feta.
6. Dress it Up: Pour on that lemon herb dressing. Give it all a good mix.
7. Chill Out: If you can, chill the Chickpea chorizo pasta salad for at least 30 minutes . This gives the flavors a chance to get to know each other.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Want to really impress? Here are some tricks I've learned over the years. These tips are going to improve your pasta salad with chickpeas

• Don't overcook the pasta . I said it once, I'll say it again!
• Taste and adjust . Honestly, don't be shy! Add more lemon, more herbs, whatever floats your boat. This is the lemon herb pasta salad
• make-ahead : This high protein pasta salad for picnic is even better the next day. So make it the night before and thank me later. I find that adding some salad protein helps it keep me going.
• Common mistake : Forgetting to season the dressing properly. It's the heart of the salad, so make it sing! The salt and pepper and other ingredients is a must.
• This recipe is a delicious chickpea salad with feta !

Recipe Notes

Okay, so you've got the recipe for my Chickpea chorizo pasta salad . Now, let's talk about those little tweaks and tricks that'll make this dish sing .

I've had a fair few adventures making this salad, and I've learned a thing or two along the way!

Serve it Up!

• Plating and Presentation Ideas : Forget boring bowls! Think bright colours. Serve this spicy chorizo pasta salad in a big, rustic dish. Scatter some extra feta and herbs on top. A little drizzle of olive oil never hurts. This salad looks amazing on a sharing platter, perfect for a BBQ!
• Complementary Sides or Beverages : Honestly, this salad is fab on its own. But, if you want a bit extra, some crusty bread for soaking up that dressing is always a winner. For drinks, a crisp white wine or even some sparkling lemonade works a treat. It is also a great addition to High Protein Bbq Sides .

Keeping it Fresh

• Refrigeration Guidelines : This salad is perfect for making ahead. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll happily sit there for up to 3 days . The flavors actually get better as they meld!
• Freezing Options (if applicable) : I wouldn't recommend freezing this one. The pasta and feta can get a bit mushy. Trust me, it’s best fresh.
• Reheating Instructions : No need to reheat! This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Just take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors come alive.

Tweaking the Recipe

• Dietary Adaptations : Want a Mediterranean pasta salad recipe that everyone can enjoy? For a vegetarian option, skip the chorizo and add some roasted veggies. Courgette and aubergine are great. Got a gluten-free friend? No problem! Just use gluten-free pasta. Boom!
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : In the summer, use fresh tomatoes instead of the peppers. In the winter, some roasted butternut squash would be amazing! It´s also a healthy side salads , so feel free to add some more greens.

Some Nutrition Info

• Simplified Nutrition Information : This high protein pasta salad is packed with goodness. The chickpeas are a great source of protein and fibre. The salad protein value of a single serving is approximately 30 grams , the total Calories are 550 , so, you can consider to make-ahead High Protein Lunch .
• Key Health Benefits : Chickpeas are fantastic for your gut. The olive oil is good for your heart. It is all about Pasta Salad With Chickpeas . Plus, it's way more exciting than another boring salad! The feta provides calcium, so it is an amazing dish that blends deliciousness with health benefits. Also, you can consider it as High protein pasta salad for picnic ,

Honestly, this recipe is so flexible. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Whether you're after a quick lunch or a crowd pleasing BBQ side, this Chickpea chorizo pasta salad is sure to be a winner.

Just have fun with it! You know, after sharing this Chickpea salad with feta at a picnic recently, it was a runaway hit, everyone kept asking for the recipe.

And the best part? It's so easy to throw together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the chickpea chorizo pasta salad ahead of time? I'm throwing a party, you see.

Absolutely! In fact, it's often better the next day. The flavours meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash more olive oil and lemon juice before serving.

My friend is vegetarian. Can I easily adapt this chickpea chorizo pasta salad recipe to be meat free?

You bet! Simply leave out the chorizo. To replace the flavour and texture, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even sun-dried tomatoes. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also give a lovely smoky flavour reminiscent of chorizo. It's a doddle!

How long does the chickpea chorizo pasta salad last in the fridge?

The pasta salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. However, be aware that the pasta may become a little softer over time. It's still perfectly safe to eat, but the texture will be best on the first or second day.

I want to increase the protein in this dish any tips for the chickpea chorizo pasta salad?

Great thinking! To boost the protein even further, you could add some grilled chicken or shrimp. Alternatively, incorporating some extra chickpeas or adding a handful of toasted pine nuts would do the trick.

Using a high protein pasta like lentil pasta or whole wheat pasta is also a sneaky way to add more protein without changing the recipe too drastically. It's a win-win!

Is this chickpea chorizo pasta salad recipe healthy? I'm trying to eat better!

This recipe can definitely be part of a healthy eating plan! It's packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, and the fresh herbs add lots of flavour without extra calories. To make it even healthier, you could use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of chorizo, and use a lighter cheese.

Remember to check the nutrition facts on your specific ingredients to get an accurate idea of the calorie count.

I don't have feta cheese, what can I substitute in this chickpea chorizo pasta salad?

No problem at all! If you don't have feta, you can easily substitute it with other cheeses. Goat cheese would offer a similar tangy flavour, while mozzarella balls would provide a softer, creamier texture. Even crumbled ricotta salata, a dried, salted ricotta, would work well and add a salty bite.