Dill, Chickpea, and Feta Pasta Salad

Name: Dill, Chickpea, and Feta Pasta Salad
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill; 1/4 cup white wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped shallot; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed; 2/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup capers; 1 pound short pasta, such as gemelli or fusilli; 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium English cucumber (about 1 pound), medium dice; 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/4 cups); 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Pasta Salad Chickpeas Pasta Salad Christmas Labor Day 4th of July Father's Day Dinner Party Picnic Camping Potluck Feta Healthy Dairy Olive Oil Parsley Herbs Shallots Lunch Side Dish Kid Friendly Leftovers Make Ahead Weeknight Dinner Cheese Summer Comfort Food Pescatarian Easy Orzo White Wine Vinegar

Save (303)

Rate

6 to 8 servings Easy

Total: 50 mins

9 Ratings

Ingredients (12)

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped shallot
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
2/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup capers
1 pound short pasta, such as gemelli or fusilli
2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium English cucumber (about 1 pound), medium dice
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/4 cups)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Try Amazon Fresh

Nutritional Information

Calories788
Fat35.45g
Saturated fat8.54g
Trans fat
Carbs93.9g
Fiber12.09g
Sugar10.53g
Protein25.05g
Cholesterol27.81mg
Sodium857.71mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (6 servings) Powered by

Get fresh food news delivered to your inbox

To make this simple summer side dish, blend vinegar, fresh dill, shallot, olive oil, and capers while the pasta cooks. Toss the pasta and dressing together with cucumber, chickpeas, and crumbled feta cheese, and serve alongside grilled salmon or chicken. Or to make the salad a complete meal, add 7 ounces of either tuna, flaked smoked trout, or shredded chicken for a light lunch or dinner.

by Lisa Lavery

Tips for Christmas

Tip

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

1 of 3

Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Tip

What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

2 of 3

Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Tip

How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

3 of 3

Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

Instructions

1Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, make the dressing.
2Place the dill, vinegar, shallot, and measured salt and pepper in a blender. Blend on high until evenly combined, about 15 seconds. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides of the pitcher with a rubber spatula. Return the blender to high speed, remove the small cap from the lid (the pour lid), and slowly drizzle in the oil. Turn off the blender, add the capers, and pulse until they’re coarsely chopped, about 5 (1-second) pulses; set the dressing aside in the blender.
3Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions. Drain and then rinse it under cold water until cool. Drain any excess water from the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
4Add the chickpeas, cucumber, feta, parsley, and reserved dressing (and tuna, trout, or chicken, if using) and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.