Photon Pasta Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-01 · Updated 2026-04-01

A refreshing salad where golden chickpeas and bright vegetables create a dish that literally shines with light and texture. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs ounces penne pasta, canned chickpeas, red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 can canned chickpeas
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup cucumber
• 1/4 cup fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook penne in a large pot of salted boiling water for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Pat chickpeas dry with paper towels and spread on a baking sheet; drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Step 2: Finely dice red onion, halve cherry tomatoes, and cut cucumber into 1/4-inch cubes. Chop fresh dill. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Step 3: Combine cooled pasta, crispy chickpeas, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and dill in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill for 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.