This Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a fun twist on pasta! Made with chickpeas, pasta, and a zesty buffalo sauce, it’s packed with flavor and protein.
It’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. I love how the spice wakes up my taste buds, and it’s so easy to whip up! Plus, no one can resist those vibrant colors. 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This curly pasta holds onto the sauce nicely. If you can’t find rotini, fusilli or even penne work well too. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea or quinoa pasta.
Chickpeas: A great source of protein and fiber. You can substitute with black beans or kidney beans if you prefer. Canned lentils are also a good option for a different texture.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Adjust this based on your spice tolerance. If you want less heat, try mixing it with some ranch or yogurt to make it milder. You can use a different hot sauce, like sriracha, for a unique twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a fresh burst to the dish. If they aren’t in season, you can use diced regular tomatoes or omit them entirely without any issue.
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds creaminess, but you could use cheddar or a dairy-free cheese to meet dietary needs. If you’re skipping cheese, try adding avocado for creaminess instead.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Chickpeas?
Getting the perfect texture for chickpeas is key. When sautéed, they should be slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. Follow these steps to achieve this:
- Drain and rinse your chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess salt and preservatives.
- Pat them dry with paper towels to help them crisp up in the pan.
- Use medium heat for cooking; too high and they may burn before cooking through.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown.
This technique will enhance their flavor and provide a delightful contrast with the pasta! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Base:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any curly pasta)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced carrots (thin rounds)
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some green parts for garnish)
Dressing and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese (Optional):
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese
For Drizzling: (Optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time. You can serve it right after making it, but chilling it for at least 30 minutes makes the flavors even better. So total time, counting chilling, is about 1 hour. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked but still firm to the bite. Once it’s ready, drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Sauté the Chickpeas and Carrots:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the drained chickpeas and sliced carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots start to soften and the chickpeas turn a light golden brown.
3. Season the Veggies:
Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the chickpeas and carrots. Give them a good stir to mix everything evenly. This will infuse those flavors into your veggies!
4. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed chickpea and carrot mixture, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Mix this together gently so everything gets nice and blended!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the buffalo hot sauce over your pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce based on how spicy you like it!
6. Add Cheese and Dressing (Optional):
If you want some cheesy goodness, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or vegan cheese on top. For an extra creamy texture, drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing over everything.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your salad with the reserved green onion slices for a nice pop of color and fresh flavor. You can serve it right away, but chilling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes lets all those yummy flavors meld together nicely!
8. Enjoy!
Dive into your spicy, hearty Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you need a tasty meal!
FAQ About Easy Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. For a gluten-free option, try chickpea or lentil-based pasta.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you might want to add a bit more buffalo sauce or dressing when you reheat it.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it in the fridge without the dressing until you’re ready to serve to maintain the best texture!
What Can I Substitute for Chickpeas?
If you’d like to switch things up, you can use black beans, kidney beans, or even lentils as a protein source. While the flavor will vary slightly, these options will still provide a tasty and hearty salad!
