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Pesto Chickpeas: A Quick Easy Dinner Recipe

Pesto Chickpeas: A Quick Easy Dinner Recipe
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5 from 25 reviews

Pesto Chickpeas is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed warm or chilled. This quick dinner recipe combines the earthy taste of chickpeas with the freshness of basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Mixing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Basil Pesto:

  • 2–4 medium garlic cloves
  • 1/3 cup nuts (such as walnuts or pine nuts)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups fresh basil leaves

Chickpeas:

  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 3 cups cooked chickpeas (2 x 14-ounce cans, drained)
  • 1/4 cup water, salted or broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine garlic, nuts, and olive oil. Add Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and basil leaves. Pulse until the desired texture is achieved.
  2. Warm Chickpeas: Place chickpeas in a pan with salted water or broth. Steam gently with a lid on for a few minutes. Drain excess liquid and let cool slightly.
  3. Combine: In a large bowl, mix chickpeas with pesto, tomatoes, olives, and red onions.
  4. Season: Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste.
  5. Garnish: Top with lemon squeeze, pine nuts, basil leaves, and Parmesan or vegan Parmesan.

Notes

  • Leave out a few tomatoes, olives, and onion slices for a decorative finish.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Can be served cold for a refreshing option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingwithsarah.com/pesto-chickpeas-a-quick-easy-dinner-recipe/