π±π₯ Packed with plant-based protein and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Greek Chickpea & Lentil Pasta Salad is both nourishing and delicious. Crispy spiced chickpeas and lentils add satisfying texture to a lentil-based pasta salad loaded with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and a creamy tahini-tzatziki sauce. Itβs a perfect meal for a healthy lunch or light dinner. πβ¨
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π§Ύ Ingredients (Serves 2β3)
π Spiced Chickpeas & Lentils
β’ Β½ cup cooked chickpeas (canned or homemade, rinsed and drained)
β’ Β½ cup cooked lentils
β’ 1 tbsp olive oil
β’ Β½ tsp smoked paprika
β’ Β½ tsp ground cumin
β’ Β½ tsp garlic powder
β’ Salt & pepper to taste
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π Pasta Salad Base
β’ 2 cups cooked lentil-based pasta (penne or rotini)
β’ 1 small cucumber, diced π₯
β’ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved π
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π₯£ Tahini-Tzatziki Sauce
β’ Β½ cup plain Greek yogurt (dairy-free if preferred)
β’ 1 tbsp tahini
β’ 1 clove garlic, minced π§
β’ 1 tbsp lemon juice π
β’ Β½ tsp dried dill
β’ Salt & pepper to taste
β’ Water (to thin, if needed)
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π₯ Instructions
1. Crisp the Chickpeas & Lentils
β’ Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
β’ Add chickpeas and lentils, along with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
β’ SautΓ© for 5β7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden.
β’ Set aside to cool.
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2. Prepare the Pasta Salad Base
β’ Cook lentil-based pasta according to package instructions.
β’ Drain and let cool slightly.
β’ In a large bowl, toss pasta with cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
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3. Make the Tahini-Tzatziki Sauce
β’ In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
β’ Add water a teaspoon at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
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4. Assemble the Salad
β’ Add crispy chickpeas and lentils to the pasta mixture.
β’ Drizzle with tahini-tzatziki sauce and toss gently to combine.
β’ Garnish with additional dill or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
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β¨ Light, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients, this pasta salad is an easy and satisfying choice.