Pasta salads are truly one of my favorite meal preps, or meals in general. They’re so versatile and come together in under 30 minutes. They’re also an excellent way to pack in different nutrients, while keeping your meal flavorful and fun.
This chipotle pasta salad is made with a creamy and smokey chipotle dressing that’s tossed with cooked pasta, chickpeas, veggies, herbs and feta cheese. It’s full of vibrant colors, and packed with delicious flavor.
This is one of my go-to recipes to have around for easy lunches during the week. The chickpeas add fiber and plant-based protein, the colorful veggies add micronutrients, and the pasta adds carbs for energy.
The creamy chipotle dressing is *chef’s kiss* and made with only a few simple ingredients. It’s made with chipotle peppers, greek yogurt, olive oil and a few other basics.
How to make Chipotle Pasta Salad
This recipe comes together so easily. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pasta of choice. I used nodi marini pasta
- Chickpeas– a delicious way to add texture and fiber
- Veggies & herbs- I added red bell pepper, purple onion, scallions and cilantro
- Feta cheese
- Homemade chipotle dressing– made from a blend of olive oil, chipotle peppers in adobo, greek yogurt, feta cheese & spices
Pro tip: use your leftover chipotle peppers to make a delicious chipotle mayo. I love using it on tacos, sandwiches and rice bowls.
- Cook the pasta as instructed on the package
- Slice your veggies and chop the herbs
- Blend the dressing until smooth
- Toss everything together and enjoy!
It seriously doesn’t get any easier.
Storing and leftovers
Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days. You can enjoy this dish at room temperature, or cold straight from the fridge.
This dish is truly a crowd please and comes together so easily. I know you guys are going to love it! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your dish.
Other pasta recipes you’ll love:
Roasted Veggie Pasta Sauce
Green Goddess Pasta
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Za’atar Dressing
Chipotle Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained
- 3 scallions
- 1/4 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 oz feta cheese
- Chopped cilantro, to top
Chipotle Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 oz feta cheese
- 2 tbsp greek yogurt
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 -2 tbsp water
- Salt & pepper
Directions
- Cook the pasta as instructed on package. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare your veggies. Thinly slice your pepper and onion into 2″ slices, and chop the scallions and cilantro.
- Prepare the chipotle dressing by adding all of the ingredients to a blender and blending until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender. Start with 1 tbsp of water and add more as needed to thin. Season with salt & pepper to taste
- Once the pasta is cooked, add it to a large mixing bowl with the chickpeas, veggies & dressing. Toss together and top with crumbled feta cheese and cilantro.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, and served cold or at room temperature
Ratings and Reviews
write a review