Elaine GordonAs a food enthusiast, my kitchen is my playground. I love blending flavors and cultures, and nothing brings that joy more than a vibrant pasta salad.
Picture this: a sunny picnic, laughter ringing in the air, and a plate full of Italian Pasta Salad featuring Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas.
The dish is colorful, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for summer gatherings and is bound to steal the show.
What Are Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas?
Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas are a canned product that packs a flavorful punch. Each can features plump chickpeas blended with parsley and cumin, allowing them to easily enhance any dish.
For someone who enjoys the convenience of meals that are both quick and delightful, these chickpeas are a perfect solution. Their zesty character pairs beautifully with various ingredients, making for versatile meals and snacks.
The Ingredients
Using Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas in a dish is just the beginning. Here’s what you need to prepare an Italian Pasta Salad with a twist:
- 1 (8-ounce) container of hummus
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (5-ounce) container mixed baby greens
- ½ medium English cucumber, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (for added crunch)
- ½ teaspoon sumac (for a citrusy kick)
For the Greek Tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- ½ medium English cucumber, grated
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Greek vinaigrette:
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas
The preparation of this dish is simple but fulfilling. You can whip this salad together in no time, leaving you more space to enjoy the festivities.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. It should take about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the pasta cooks, let’s whip up the Tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, salt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir everything together until smooth. Taste and add Kosher salt and pepper as needed. Set this aside in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Whip Up the Greek Vinaigrette
Next, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, oregano, and some salt and pepper in a separate bowl. This vinaigrette will bring all your salad elements together.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once your pasta is done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas, halved tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed greens, olives, and crumbled feta.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Now, pour the Greek vinaigrette over your salad. Toss well to ensure everything gets coated. Serve it with a generous dollop of Tzatziki on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and sumac. This will not only provide a savory crunch but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just right: Overcooked pasta can turn mushy, so make sure to check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Opt for fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and quality olive oil impact flavor significantly.
- Adjust the seasoning: Don’t hesitate to personalize the seasoning according to your taste. Everyone has their preferences.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit for a bit in the fridge helps the flavors develop even more.
- Use canned chickpeas: If Trader Joe’s isn’t nearby, any good quality canned chickpeas will work.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
The Tzatziki sauce may separate slightly, so give it a good stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to elevate your meal experience with some serving ideas:
- Enjoy it as a Main Dish: This salad is hearty enough to stand alone as a meal. Pair it with a slice of warm pita and olive tapenade for a Mediterranean feast.
- Serve it with Grilled Proteins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even fish complements the salad beautifully. The Tzatziki sauce works wonderfully as a dip for grilled skewers.
- Pack it for Lunch: This salad travels well. Pack it in a lunchbox for a satisfying meal at work or picnics at the park.
- Side Dish for BBQs: The bright flavors of the salad balance perfectly with smoky barbecue dishes. It’s a refreshing accompaniment to any grill party.
- Make it a Dip: Enjoy it as a dip with pita chips or fresh vegetable sticks. The flavors sing when scooped up.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas?
If you’re missing some ingredients or wish to mix it up, consider these substitutes:
- Chickpeas: White beans or cannellini beans can offer a similar texture while adding a different flavor profile.
- Orzo: Quinoa is an excellent gluten-free option that provides a nutty taste and fluffy texture.
- Feta Cheese: For a different cheese experience, try crumbled goat cheese. It adds a creamier mouthfeel and tang.
- Olives: If kalamata olives aren’t available, green olives can offer a different taste with a similar briny flavor.
- Dill: If dill isn’t your thing, use fresh basil or oregano. These herbs can bring an Italian twist to your dish.
Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- ½ medium English cucumber grated
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a deeper sweetness
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 8-ounce container hummus
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- Kosher salt for seasoning
- 2 9.88-ounce cans Trader Joe’s Greek chickpeas with parsley and cumin
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 5-ounce container mixed baby greens
- ½ medium English cucumber cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives halved
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts adds a nice crunch and flavor
- ½ teaspoon sumac for a tangy citrusy flavor
Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. It should take about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, let’s whip up the Tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, salt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir everything together until smooth. Taste and add Kosher salt and pepper as needed. Set this aside in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
- Next, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, oregano, and some salt and pepper in a separate bowl. This vinaigrette will bring all your salad elements together.
- Once your pasta is done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas, halved tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed greens, olives, and crumbled feta.
- Now, pour the Greek vinaigrette over your salad. Toss well to ensure everything gets coated. Serve it with a generous dollop of Tzatziki on top.
- Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and sumac. This will not only provide a savory crunch but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just right: Overcooked pasta can turn mushy, so make sure to check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Opt for fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and quality olive oil impact flavor significantly.
- Adjust the seasoning: Don’t hesitate to personalize the seasoning according to your taste. Everyone has their preferences.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit for a bit in the fridge helps the flavors develop even more.
- Use canned chickpeas: If Trader Joe’s isn’t nearby, any good quality canned chickpeas will work.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas transformed my summer cooking game. Not only did they speed up my meal preparation process, but they also brought a deliciously rich flavor to my dishes. Whether you’re planning a sunny picnic or a casual gather at home, this Italian Pasta Salad is bound to impress.
With its delightful combination of textures and tastes, you’ll find yourself savoring every bite. So, grab these chickpeas next time you’re at Trader Joe’s and embrace the culinary adventure they offer. Happy cooking!
