Are you looking for a delicious, healthy meal prep option that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying? Look no further! This Chickpea Pasta Salad Meal Prep is not just tasty; it’s a breeze to put together and perfect for busy weekdays. Packed with flavors, textures, and nutrition, it’s a delightful combination of creamy tahini dressing, crispy chickpeas, and fresh veggies. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious dish!
You can also view my full collection of plant based meal prep recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta
- ½ box rotini pasta noodles (about 8oz or 200 grams): You can use chickpea or lentil noodles for a protein boost.
Salad Ingredients
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
- ½ large cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup diced black olives (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup Tahini
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or substitute with apple cider or white vinegar)
- 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (juice of ½ a large lemon)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cold water to adjust the consistency
Crispy Chickpeas Ingredients
- 1 19 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- A dash of smoked paprika and hot chili powder (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- Fresh greens like arugula
Helpful Tools
To make this Chickpea Pasta Salad Meal Prep effortlessly, here are some helpful tools:
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
- Mason Jars or Meal Prep Containers: For assembling the salad.
- Pan: For crisping the chickpeas.
- Blender or Mason Jar: For making the dressing.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping veggies.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
How to Make Chickpea Pasta Salad Meal Prep
Pasta Preparation
- Cook Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to salt the water generously.
- Rinse Pasta: Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Dressing Preparation
- Mix Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until everything is well mixed.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, you can blend the dressing instead of shaking it. Set aside in the fridge.
Crispy Chickpeas Preparation
- Cook Chickpeas: Heat the chickpeas in a pan over medium heat with olive oil until they are lightly browned and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
- Season Chickpeas: Lower the heat, then add garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and optional smoked paprika and chili powder. Stir well and set aside.
Meal Prep Assembly
- Layer the Jars: Begin by adding the dressing at the bottom of each mason jar. Next, layer in the pasta, followed by cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and finally, top with crispy chickpeas.
- Store: Seal the jars or containers and store them in the fridge. Your meal prep is ready to enjoy!
Notes
Cheesy Toppings
- For a cheesy kick, sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast on top. It adds a lovely flavor without the dairy.
Gluten-Free Option
- To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta noodles. Be cautious not to overcook them as they tend to get mushy quickly.
Extra Greens
- For an added burst of freshness, top your salad with a handful of arugula or mixed greens just before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Pre-Cook Chickpeas: For extra flavor, marinate chickpeas in your favorite spices before roasting.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, red onions, or even corn can be great additions!
- Meal Prep Storage: Use airtight containers to keep your salad fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, but chickpea or lentil pasta is recommended for added protein and fiber.
How long can I store this salad?
This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dressing up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.
Crispy Chickpea Pasta Salad Meal Prep
This Chickpea Pasta Salad Meal Prep is a delicious blend of rotini pasta, crunchy veggies, and crispy chickpeas, tossed in a creamy tahini dressing. Ideal for healthy, hassle-free lunches!
Ingredients
- ½ box rotini pasta noodles (about 8oz or 200 grams) use chickpea or lentil noodles if desired
Salad
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
- ½ large cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup diced black olives (optional)
Dressing
- ¼ cup Tahini
- 1 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (sub apple cider or white vinegar)
- 2-3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (juice of ½ a large lemon)
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup (or agave)
- Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
- Cold Water to adjust the consistency
Crispy Chickpeas
- 1 19 oz can Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- a dash of smoked paprika and hot chili powder (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- fresh greens like arugula
Instructions
Pasta
- Start by cooking the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water.
- Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients into a mason jar. Put on the lid and shake until ingredients are well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time to adjust the consistency. (use a blender instead of shaking or whisking the dressing if desired) Set aside in the fridge.
Crispy Chickpeas
- Add the chickpeas to a pan on medium heat with olive oil. Cook until they are lightly browned and crisp. This should take about 5-6 mins.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked reduce heat and add, garlic powder, salt to taste, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning. Mix them up and set aside.
Meal Prep Assembly
- Separate into 4 mason jars or meal prep containers putting the dressing on the bottom, then pasta noodles, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes and topping with the crispy chickpeas. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cheesy Toppings: Vegan parmesan cheese tastes wonderful in this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute.
- Gluten Free: To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pasta noodle. Be very careful not to overcook the noodles as the gluten-free ones can be more delicate when overcooked.
- Extra Greens: add a small handful of arugula or mixed greens on top if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 400g | Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 12.5g | Sugar: 7.5g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Conclusion: Chickpea Pasta Salad Meal Prep
This Chickpea Pasta Salad Meal Prep is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal. With its creamy tahini dressing, crispy chickpeas, and fresh veggies, it’s a blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re planning for a busy week or just want a healthy lunch option, this salad has got you covered. Enjoy the ease of meal prepping and the joy of a fresh, flavorful meal anytime!
Loved these crispy chickpeas and was actually looking forward to lunch, these meal preps are game changer!!
Thank you SO much I’m so happy you loved it and all the meal preps!