Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: Tahini Parmesan Spaghetti Pasta Salad

To show the final results of Tahini Parmesan Salad once all ingredients are incorporated. 

April 10th, 2024
Ashly Estrada, Nutrition Student

Why We Chose This Recipe

This salad is a fantastic option for meal prepping! It’s satisfying, fresh, and delicious, making it a go-to for any time of the week. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily add your favorite salad ingredients or tweak the seasoning to suit your taste.

Tahini Parmesan Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Recipe Adapted from rachelsmansfield
Yield: 6-8 cups of pasta salad 

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ⅓ cup creamy tahini (note: tahini is made with sesame seeds)
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 cups chickpeas
  • Red pepper flakes, for topping

Directions

  1. Prepare the spaghetti according to the instructions on the box. Before straining, reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta water.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the tahini and Parmesan cheese. If desired, season with salt and pepper. Gradually add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the dressing reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If the sauce is still too thick, add more pasta water as needed.
  3. a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, scallions, arugula, and tahini dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes. Serve cold or at room temperature.

What We Liked

  • We enjoyed the nutty flavor and mouthfeel of the tahini dressing.
  • This salad is also visually appealing, with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients that pair beautifully together
  • We appreciated how this salad can be made with almost any type of pasta!

    Suggestions

    • For an even creamier tahini salad dressing, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the tahini and pasta water mixture.
    • If you can’t find red pepper flakes, don’t worry! We used black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder as substitutes, and they worked wonderfully with the salad’s flavor profile. We suggest adding these spices even if you do have red pepper flakes on hand.
    • Feel free to use whatever pasta you have available, as long as it can easily be incorporated with the rest of the ingredients in this recipe.

    Nutritional Value

    • The whole wheat spaghetti in this recipe provides carbohydrates for quick energy—perfect for fueling up during finals! It’s also rich in fiber, contributing to satiety and digestive health.
    • Both chickpeas and tahini are excellent sources of protein, helping the energy from the pasta last longer.
    • Tomatoes and arugula provide vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes overall health.