Marquessa Salad Vegetarian with Pasta, Rice & Chickpea
Description
This Salad is a fresh, colourful, and satisfying meal packed with wholesome ingredients. Combining crisp vegetables, tender farfalle pasta, fluffy rice, and protein-rich chickpeas, this recipe creates a hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Tossed in a bright homemade dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and honey or agave, every bite is tangy, lightly sweet, and refreshing. Easy to customize and naturally vegetarian, this healthy salad bowl is ideal for busy weekdays, picnics, or light entertaining with friends and family.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Serving Number
4 servings
Marquessa Salad with Pasta, Rice & Chickpea
Easy to customize and naturally vegetarian, thishealthy salad bowl is ideal for busy weekdays, picnics, or light entertainingwith friends and family.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare rice according to package instructions if not already cooked, then let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, rice, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint if using.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey or agave, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavour, or serve immediately.
Notes
Chef’s Tips
- For extra crunch, add toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
- Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty contrast if you include dairy.
- Make it meal-prep friendly by storing dressing separately until ready to eat.
- This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavours meld together.
- Swap white rice for quinoa or bulgur for extra texture and nutrition.
