Bow-Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken and Chickpeas

🥗 Bow-Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken and Chickpeas

Looking for a refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner? This Bow-Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken and Chickpeas combines tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. It’s light yet filling — ideal for meal prep or a summer picnic! ☀️

🍴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is a delicious blend of flavors and textures — creamy Parmesan, zesty mustard, and crisp cucumbers all come together in harmony. Chickpeas add fiber and protein, making it a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

🧑‍🍳 How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the bow-tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. Combine everything: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chickpeas, olives, celery, cucumbers, carrots, and onion.
3. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, minced garlic, parsley, basil, and pepper.
4. Toss it up: Pour the dressing over the salad, add shredded Parmesan, and toss everything together with tongs until evenly coated.
5. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld beautifully. 🕒

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.
• For a lighter version, swap olive oil with Greek yogurt dressing.
• Great for meal prep — store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding more chickpeas or tofu.

🌿 Perfect Pairings

Pair this wholesome salad with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a glass of chilled white wine 🍷. It also works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Enjoy this healthy, fiber-rich pasta salad that’s as colorful as it is delicious — the perfect choice for busy days when you want something quick, nutritious, and satisfying. 😋