This fresh and delicious pasta salad is an easy and convenient meal option.

This Zesty Pasta Salad is made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing that comes together easily. It works well for lunches, meal prep, potlucks, or busy weekdays.

The combination of black beans and chickpeas adds plant-based protein and fibre, while the vegetables and creamy avocado dressing bring freshness, texture, and brightness to every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Black Beans: Add plant-based protein, fibre, iron, and texture to help make the salad more satisfying.

Corn Kernels: Add natural sweetness, colour, and texture while contributing carbohydrates and fibre.

Chickpeas: Provide additional plant-based protein and fibre.

Bell Peppers: Add crunch, colour, and vitamin C for freshness and flavour.

Pasta: Serves as the base of the salad. Use any pasta shape you enjoy.

Avocado (Optional): Adds creaminess and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Dressing

Avocado: Creates a creamy texture while adding healthy fats and richness to the dressing.

Olive Oil: Adds flavour and heart-healthy unsaturated fats while helping create a smooth dressing.

Salt & Pepper: Enhance the overall flavour of the salad.

Garlic Powder: Adds savoury depth and flavour to the dressing.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides brightness and tanginess that balances the creaminess of the avocado and olive oil.

Mustard: Adds flavour and helps emulsify the dressing. Use your favourite mustard.

Parsley: Adds freshness, colour, and a bright herb flavour.

Kitchenware

You’ll also need:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or jar for the dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Colander

Steps

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the avocado, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and parsley until smooth and well combined.
2. Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, black beans, chickpeas, corn, bell peppers, and optional chopped avocado.
3. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Marinate and serve: Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours or overnight to allow the flavours to develop. Serve chilled.

Tips & Notes

• Letting the salad sit before serving helps the flavours blend together and improves the overall texture.
• If preparing ahead, you can add the avocado closer to serving time for the freshest texture and colour.
• This recipe is easy to customize with vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, or carrots.
• Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for additional fibre and protein if desired.
• If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing during storage, add a small splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving.
• This salad works well for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Recipe

Zesty Pasta Salad

• Servings: 8
• Time: 2 hours 15 mins
• Print

This fresh and delicious pasta salad is an easy and convenient meal option.

Ingredients

Salad
• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 4 cups cooked pasta of choice
• Optional: Chopped avocado
Dressing:
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 – 1 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 tsp mustard (I used honey mustard)
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the dressing.
2. In a large bowl, add pasta, beans, corn, veggies, and dressing.
3. Mix together to coat well.
4. Let marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight.

Nutrition

Per Serving: Energy/Calories: 352 kcal | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Protein: 11.6 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 1.9 g | Sodium: 333 mg | Fibre: 10.9 g | Total Sugars: 4.6 g

Please note: the nutrition information provided above is an estimation based on a reference serving size. It is subject to error/variation and is for information purposes only. The website owner is not liable for this information. While this information may be helpful for you, please remember that food is more than just numbers.

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Disclaimer: All recipes on this site are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and individual experience. Please use your best judgment and consider any allergies, dietary needs, or health conditions. The website owner is not responsible for any outcomes related to the preparation, cooking, or consumption of these recipes. Use this content at your own discretion and risk.

Last Updated: May 2026