This must be one of the best combinations ever existed. It’s quick, easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side.
Tossed with tender pasta, hearty chickpeas, and fragrant basil, it’s enhanced by the zesty brightness of lemon, a touch of grated parmesan, and a hint of spice from chili flakes and cumin. A splash of olive oil and pasta water ties it all together, making this salad a deliciously satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Enjoy!
Lemon Basil Chickpea Pasta Salad
Mia Florea
This is a light, flavorful and vegan-friendly pasta salad that makes for a great lunch or side dish.
3cupscooked pastaI used pigtails, but bowtie would look great as well
1cancooked chickpeas
1 ½cupscoarsely chopped fresh basil
½cupgrated parmesan
zest of 1 lemon
juice from half lemon
¼cuppasta water
1clovegarlicgrated
½teaspoonfreshly grated nutmeg
2tablespoonolive oil
1teaspoonground cumin
1teaspoonchili flakes
1teaspoonsalt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius/ 390° F.
In a baking tray place the chickpeas (no juice) with the salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin and chili flakes. Bake for about 20-25 mins.
In a jug mix the parmesan, pasta water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, nutmeg and garlic. Mix well and pour over the cooked pasta. Add the chopped basil and the roasted chickpeas leaving a few to sprinkle on top.
Serve warm of cold.
Notes
Tip: Elevate the dish by adding some goat cheese on top and a few slices of apple or pears.
I'm a business graduate turned Pastry Chef with a passion for cooking savory dishes as well. My culinary journey began in 2011 after the birth of my first daughter, and I haven't looked back since.
I spent 17 years in the Gulf Region, including Dubai and Qatar, where I had the privilege of working with 'The Cooking Academy.' During my time there, I served as a teacher for various classes and briefly took on the role of General Manager.
After the pandemic, I launched my own project, 'Baked by Mia,' a cooking platform that came to life in 2020. The goal of this platform is to encourage everyone to bake more, focusing not on the perfection often associated with being a pastry chef, but on embracing and enjoying time spent in the kitchen with family and friends.
