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Sesame Toasted Pasta Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Feta

This pasta salad combines cooked farfalle with toasted sesame oil and roasted chickpeas, creating a dish with varied textures and aromatic flavors. Chilled, it has a firm yet tender bite, with crunchy chickpeas and crumbly feta adding contrast to the al dente pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces farfalle pasta uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil for tossing pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting chickpeas
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ounces feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Strainer

Method
 

  1. Cook the farfalle in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
  2. In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the rinsed chickpeas with olive oil and salt, then spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice, until crispy and golden.
  4. While the chickpeas roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the toasted sesame oil and minced garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the sesame garlic mixture, roasted chickpeas, crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, and lemon juice. Toss gently to evenly distribute all ingredients. Season with black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional feta and pine nuts if desired.