Description
A vibrant and flavorful Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad that’s healthy, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep. Packed with fresh herbs, chickpeas, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts (optional)
- For the Lemon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3–4 tablespoons)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- 2. While the orzo is cooking, prepare the lemon dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- 3. To the large bowl with the cooked orzo, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas, chopped parsley, chopped mint, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives (if using), halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and toasted nuts (if using).
- 4. Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the salad ingredients.
- 5. Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
- 6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Let the salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or chill before serving.
Notes
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Can be refreshed with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving. Best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350-400 (varies with optional ingredients)
- Sugar: Approx. 5-7g
- Sodium: Approx. 200-300mg (varies with added salt and olives)
- Fat: Approx. 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-45g
- Fiber: Approx. 8-10g
- Protein: Approx. 10-12g