Mediterranean Chickpea and Penne Salad
A Vibrant Mediterranean Salad Featuring Chickpeas as a Star Supporting Ingredient
Chickpeas, a superfood in their own right, play a wonderfully supportive role in this delightful Mediterranean salad. Each ingredient shines with its unique character, yet they harmonize beautifully together. Among all the salads I’ve prepared, this one stands out as a truly memorable and satisfying creation!
Salad Ingredients
- 50g Chickpeas
- 50g Penne pasta
- 20g Baby greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bocconcini cheese
- Grana Padano cheese
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Basil pesto
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the chickpeas, which will add a hearty texture to your salad. Chickpeas require a significant soaking time, so it’s highly recommended to soak them overnight in cold water. Rinse them thoroughly before boiling until tender.
Step 2
Cook the penne pasta according to your desired serving size. I used about 50g for a single serving, but feel free to adjust the quantity. It’s best to cook the penne a minute or two less than the package instructions suggest for a perfect al dente bite.
Step 3
Wash the baby greens thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. Arrange all your prepared ingredients on a large serving plate or bowl. I’m assembling a single serving here, but this recipe is easily scalable for more people.
Step 4
Add the cooked chickpeas and penne to your salad bowl. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and a generous dollop of basil pesto. Gently mix everything together to ensure the pesto evenly coats all the ingredients, creating a flavorful base.
Step 5
Next, artfully arrange the fresh baby greens over the pesto-coated pasta and chickpeas. Dot the salad with bocconcini cheese balls, distributing them evenly for a creamy contrast.
Step 6
Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. This not only enhances the overall flavor profile but also gives the salad a beautiful, glossy sheen.
Step 7
Finish by grating a good amount of Grana Padano cheese over the top, like a snowfall. Its sharp, nutty flavor adds a delightful umami boost.
Step 8
For a final touch of freshness, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the salad. The bright citrus notes will cut through the richness and leave your palate feeling refreshed. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean salad!
