Za’atar Hummus Artichoke Chickpea Pasta Salad
A refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad bursting with flavor — featuring tender pasta, marinated artichoke hearts, chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and a luscious za’atar hummus dressing. It’s creamy without mayo, packed with protein, and perfect for lunch, picnics, or meal prep.
Time
Prep time: 20 minute
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the salad:
300g (10 oz) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
1 ½ cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
1 small cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped
For the Za’atar hummus dressing:
½ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp water (to thin, as needed)
1 ½ tsp za’atar spice blend
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
¼ cup crumbled vegan feta (or regular feta if not vegan)
1 roasted red pepper, diced
Toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
3. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk together hummus, olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add 1–2 tbsp water as needed to create a creamy, pourable dressing.
3. Assemble the salad
1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chickpeas, artichokes, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives.
2. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Add fresh parsley or mint and optional toppings like feta or nuts.
4. Chill and serve
Let the salad chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes & Tips
Make it creamy: Add 1 tbsp tahini to the dressing for extra richness.
Add greens: Toss in arugula, baby spinach, or chopped kale for freshness.
Meal prep tip: Keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge; great for lunch boxes.
Za’atar substitute: If you don’t have za’atar, mix 1 tsp oregano + ½ tsp thyme + ½ tsp sesame seeds + pinch of sumac or lemon zest.
frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes — chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta work great here for added protein and fiber.
Q: How can I make it oil-free?
Skip the olive oil and thin the hummus dressing with extra lemon juice or water.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just refresh with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
ℹ️ Nutritional Information
Calories: 490
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 58g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 10g