If you're craving a refreshing, creamy pasta salad that's light yet satisfying, this Tahini Pasta Salad will win you over. It's a beautiful balance of nutty tahini, zesty lemon, juicy tomatoes, and hearty chickpeas, all tossed with pasta and grilled veggies for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dish.
I love to make cold pasta salad in the summer, and I love tahini, so i thought it was time to combine the two! And they are a great match!
It's perfect for summer lunches, meal prep, or a standout potluck dish. With a tahini lemon dressing that brings a mild tang and creaminess, it's bound to become a staple in your rotation.
What You'll Need
This lemon tahini pasta salad is made from whole, nourishing ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll be using:
Pasta: Any short pasta works well-think fusilli, rigatoni, penne, or bowties. The ridges help capture all that dressing.
Tahini: This sesame seed paste is the backbone of the dressing. It adds nuttiness and depth to the salad.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens up the tahini and cuts through the richness.
Water & Oil: Used to thin the tahini to a pourable consistency and help emulsify the dressing.
Chickpeas: They add plant-based protein and a creamy bite that pairs well with the pasta.
Grilled Zucchini: Adds smoky flavor and soft texture.
Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness.
Artichoke Hearts: For briny, tender complexity.
Each ingredient contributes a different texture and flavor, turning a simple pasta salad into something layered, balanced, and satisfying.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until al dente (1 minute before the cooking time stated on the pacakge). Dress with a little oil so it doesn't stick and set aside.
Grill or Sauté the Zucchini
While the pasta cooks, slice zucchini lengthwise and grill until tender with char marks. If you don't have a grill, a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil will do just fine. Slice into bite-size pieces once cooled.
Prepare the Tahini Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed to thin the dressing-it should be pourable but not too runny. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the chickpeas, grilled zucchini, halved tomatoes, and chopped artichoke hearts. Pour the dressing over and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon for brightness or a pinch of salt for balance.
Chill Before Serving (Optional)
While this pasta salad tahini dressing combination tastes amazing fresh, letting it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
High in Protein: Between the chickpeas, and pasta, this salad is satiating enough to be a main meal.
Vibrant & Fresh: The grilled vegetables, lemon juice, and artichokes bring layers of brightness and freshness to every bite.
Meal Prep-Friendly: It holds up well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it over several days.
Versatile: Swap out veggies based on what you have-grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers, or even cucumbers work beautifully.
Whether you're making it for a picnic or just for yourself, this pasta salad is as practical as it is delicious.
Storage Instructions
Store the yogurt tahini pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dressing may thicken slightly over time; if needed, stir in a splash of water or lemon juice before serving to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours. Just stir before serving.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pastas with ridges or curves-like rigatoni, fusilli, or penne-are ideal because they hold the dressing well.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes! This salad is delicious warm, room temperature, or cold. It's incredibly flexible.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I love to see recreations and share them!
Tahini Pasta Salad - Chickpeas And Vegetables
Ingredients
- 7 oz pasta 200g
- 1 zucchini
- 1 can chickpeas 15 oz/ 400g, rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olives
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 cooked artichoke hearts
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until al dente (1 minute before the cooking time stated on the pacakge). Dress with a little oil so it doesn't stick and set aside.7 oz pasta
Grill or Sauté the Zucchini
- While the pasta cooks, slice zucchini lengthwise and grill until tender with char marks. If you don't have a grill, a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil will do just fine. Slice into bite-size pieces once cooled.1 zucchini
Prepare the Tahini Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed to thin the dressing-it should be pourable but not too runny. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon tahini, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1-2 tablespoon water, salt and pepper to taste
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the chickpeas, grilled zucchini, halved tomatoes, and chopped artichoke hearts. Pour the dressing over and mix until everything is evenly coated.1 can chickpeas, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 tablespoon olives, 3-4 cooked artichoke hearts
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon for brightness or a pinch of salt for balance.
Chill Before Serving (Optional)
- While this pasta salad tahini dressing combination tastes amazing fresh, letting it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour helps meld the flavors beautifully.
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