A hearty and wholesome pasta salad featuring whole‑wheat rotini, tender kale, and crunchy roasted chickpeas—all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for satisfying lunches, picnics, or as a colorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced nutrition – Whole grains, leafy greens, legumes, and healthy fats combine in one nourishing bowl.
• Texture play – Tender pasta meets crisp chickpeas and lightly wilted kale for delightful mouthfeel.
• Make‑ahead convenience – Perfect for prepping ahead and ideal for on‑the‑go meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz whole‑wheat rotini pasta
• 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for the dressing)
• Optional: extra nutritional yeast or cheese for topping

Directions

1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Roast chickpeas: Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). In a bowl, toss chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.
3. Prepare dressing: Whisk together vegan mayo (or yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, nutritional yeast (or Parmesan), the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chopped kale, and roasted chickpeas. Pour dressing over and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Finish: Let the salad rest for 5 minutes so the kale softens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with extra nutritional yeast or cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4–6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes (oven time for chickpeas)
• Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Veggie boost: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, or shredded carrots.
• Grain swap: Use farfalle, fusilli, or gluten‑free pasta if preferred.
• Protein upgrade: Stir in cooked chicken, tuna, or crumbled tofu.
• Flavor twist: Use chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika for heat and depth.
• Dairy‑free option: Choose vegan mayo and nutritional yeast to make the dish fully plant‑based.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Easing dryness: If the salad dries out, add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended—dressing and textures best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I use fresh greens instead of kale?

Yes—try spinach or arugula, though they wilt more quickly and should be added just before serving.

Do I need to pat chickpeas dry?

Yes—removing excess moisture helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Can I make the dressing ahead?

Absolutely—prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator; whisk before tossing.

Is this salad gluten‑free?

Replace whole‑wheat rotini with gluten‑free pasta to enjoy a gluten‑free version.

How do I keep kale from being too tough?

Massage chopped kale with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt before assembly to soften it.

Can I reduce the fat in the dressing?

Yes—use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo and reduce the oil by half.

Can roasted chickpeas lose crunch?

They soften over time; if desired, re-crisp in a warm oven before serving.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes—serve immediately after assembly for a warm version, or let it cool completely for a chilled salad.

What other proteins work well?

Cooked shrimp, chickpeas, black beans, shredded chicken, or crumbled tofu are all good options.

How do I prevent pasta from sticking?

Toss it with olive oil after rinsing under cold water; stirring occasionally while cooling helps.

Conclusion

This Kale & Crispy Chickpea Pasta Salad offers a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients, bold textures, and bright flavors. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, it’s a versatile dish perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or satisfying weekday lunches. Enjoy the balance of crisp chickpeas, tender kale, and hearty pasta anytime!

Print