Description
Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the boldness of spicy buffalo chickpeas with creamy vegan ranch and fresh vegetables, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This hearty salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a quick weeknight dinner. With its delightful kick and nutritious ingredients, it caters to both vegans and non-vegans alike. Not only is it easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, but it’s also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this protein-rich salad as a main course or a side that will impress everyone at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound short pasta (I used cavatappi)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 large red onion (diced, or 1 small onion)
- 2 small avocados (chopped)
- 2 green onions (diced, for topping)
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (I used Frank's Red Hot)
- 2/3 cups vegan mayo
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a skillet, heat avocado oil and add drained chickpeas seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Cook until crispy, then stir in buffalo sauce.
- In a food processor, blend vegan mayo with garlic cloves, green chiles, onion powder, parsley, chives, dill, pepper, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crispy chickpeas, diced veggies (bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion), and ranch dressing. Toss gently.
- Serve topped with diced green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg