Description
Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly balances heat and creaminess, making it the ultimate vegan delight. This refreshing salad combines crispy buffalo chickpeas with tender pasta and fresh veggies, all tossed in a homemade dairy-free ranch dressing. Ideal for summer barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein. Impress your guests or enjoy it as a hearty lunch—this dish is sure to satisfy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound short pasta (cavatappi recommended)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
- 2 small avocados (chopped)
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces, drained & rinsed)
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 2/3 cup vegan mayo
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 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 in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat avocado oil and add chickpeas seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Cook until crispy, about 3 minutes. Stir in buffalo sauce and cook for another couple of minutes before removing from heat.
- Blend vegan mayo, green chiles, garlic, onion powder, parsley, chives, dill, and apple cider vinegar in a food processor until smooth to make the ranch dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced veggies, crispy chickpeas, and ranch dressing. Toss well before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg