It’s a Tuesday evening. After a day filled with meetings, errands, and barely a moment to breathe, you step into your kitchen. The thought of preparing a complex meal is daunting, but here’s a lifesaver for ya: Spinach Chickpea Pasta Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a tasty simple creation designed for women who juggle the world but are craving nourishment with healthy, easy-to-make meals.

This salad is a fusion of flavors and nutrients and is super simple to put together. Let’s break down the key ingredients:

• Chickpea Pasta: A punchy alternative to traditional pasta, chickpea pasta is high in protein and fiber, making it a filling choice. PSA nothing wrong with regular pasta. It also contains essential nutrients! This chickpea pasta just punches it up a bit! A study in the Journal of Food Science and Technology highlights that chickpea pasta contains a lower glycemic index than wheat pasta, beneficial for blood sugar control.
  
• Green Olives: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, olives are a great addition. According to the American Heart Association, these fats help reduce the risk of heart disease.
  
• Shallot, Cherry Tomatoes, Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables are low in calories but high in vitamins and antioxidants. Bell peppers and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health.
  
• Mozzarella Pearls: Mozzarella adds a creamy texture and is a good source of calcium and protein. You can always sub with plant-based mozzarella or skip this and sprinkle on nutritional yeast instead to make this tasty salad vegan!
  
• Italian Dressing: Adds flavor with minimal calories. Opt for a homemade or low-sodium version to control salt intake.
  
• Baby Spinach: High in iron and folate, spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. The National Institutes of Health recommends leafy greens like spinach for their role in preventing anemia among other things. Don’t like spinach? Any leafy green will do! Arugula is a great alternative.
  
• Basil Leaves: Besides its aromatic flavor, basil has anti-inflammatory properties and contains a substantial amount of vitamin k!

---

Recipe
(serves 2) ready in 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 ozs Chickpea Pasta
• 1/4 cupGreen Olives (pitted, quartered)
• 1/4 cupShallot (chopped)
• 1 cupCherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1Green Bell Pepper (medium, diced)
• 2 ozsMozzarella Ball (pearls)
• 2 tbspsItalian Dressing
• 2 cupsBaby Spinach
• 1/4 cupBasil Leaves

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a bowl, add the olives, shallot, tomatoes, peppers, mozzarella balls, and dressing. Mix to combine. Add the spinach and the basil and toss to combine.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition:

Calories: 348
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 23g
Sodium: 516mg
Vitamin A: 4192IU
Vitamin C: 69mg
Calcium: 262mg
Iron: 8mg

This Spinach Chickpea Pasta Salad is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of health and simplicity. What will you pair with this vibrant, nutritious salad to complete your effortless dinner tonight?

---

Looking for more nutritious, tasty recipes? Check out the 21-Day Refresh!