๐ŸณDailyRecipes
Vegetarian

Fresh Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas

This zesty pasta salad is packed with protein, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon dressing that tastes like pure summer.

By Daily Recipes Bookยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 14, 2026
Fresh Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
6

When the weather gets warm, I love having a go to meal that feels light but still fills me up. This pasta salad is a staple in my kitchen because it uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh herbs that are usually abundant in the garden this time of year.

The marinated chickpeas add a wonderful texture and a nice punch of protein, making this a great option for a hearty lunch or a side dish at your next backyard cookout. I like to make a big batch on Sunday so I have an easy meal ready to grab during the week.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rotini or your favorite pasta
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a large mixing bowl.

  3. 3

    Add the chickpeas to the dressing and stir well, letting them sit while the pasta finishes cooking.

  4. 4

    Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.

  5. 5

    Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chickpeas and dressing.

  6. 6

    Toss in the fresh parsley, basil, and grated parmesan cheese.

  7. 7

    Stir everything together until well combined and serve at room temperature or chilled.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs the dressing overnight, add a small splash of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to wake up the flavors.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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