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Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad: Flavor-Packed & Perfect for Meal Prep

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This Italian Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed, nutritious dish featuring vibrant vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, ideal for meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces fusilli pasta cook until al dente
  • 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup mini sweet peppers chopped
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives sliced
For the Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup provolone or mozzarella cheese diced
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine or lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 small shallot minced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • to taste kosher salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Ensure the pasta is cooled completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a splash of pepperoncini brine or freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add in 1 minced shallot, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled fusilli pasta, 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of chopped mini sweet peppers, and 2 cups of baby spinach. Gently fold in ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of diced provolone or mozzarella cheese.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.

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