Description

Giada De Laurentiis’ Simple Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish featuring chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s quick to make, healthy, and perfect for warm-weather meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

225 g gnochetti Napoletani (or orecchiette, farfalline, or small shells)

1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

200 g cherry tomatoes, halved

½ red onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp honey (or agave/maple syrup for vegan)

4 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken or vegetable broth (for cooking pasta, optional)

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Instructions

Cook pasta in chicken or vegetable broth (or salted water) until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a blender, combine red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend while slowly streaming in olive oil until emulsified.
Place cooled pasta in a bowl. Add chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, basil, and mint.
Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Swap pasta shapes based on preference—orecchiette, farfalline, or small shells work well.
Use chickpea or whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber and protein.
Make it vegan by using vegetable broth and a plant-based sweetener.
Add feta, olives, or grilled chicken for a heartier version.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 310
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 0mg