Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad

This fresh & vibrant lemon orzo chickpea salad is the perfect dish to start welcoming in the spring & summer months. Full of bright yummy flavors that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

As warmer weather approaches, you’ll surely love adding this healthy recipe to your spring/summer menu. With Mediterranean flavors & protein-packed garbanzo beans, this salad works great as a side dish for a BBQ, picnic, or a light, refreshing lunch. Plus if you’re pressed for time you can easily whip up & be on your way!

MAIN INGREDIENTS:

Orzo: is a healthy grain providing an excellent source of protein, fiber, & numerous vitamins & minerals. Be sure to look for a whole-wheat version for optimal health benefits.
Lemon: gives our dish a flavorful enhancement with aromatic citrus smells.
Chickpeas: or garbanzo beans are legumes that are high in fiber, iron, & protein; a real plant-based superfood!
Nutritional yeast: provides a cheesy, nutty flavor for a nutrient-dense cheese alternative.
Herbs: fresh herbs like parsley add a bit of brightness to our salad.
Vegetables: any vegetables of your choice can be used; such as cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, zucchini & cherry tomatoes.
Almonds: are a rich source of healthy nutrients; like protein, fiber, & monounsaturated fats. You can also use hemp seeds, sunflower seeds or, pepitas.
Dressing: you can make your own or choose a store-bought lemon garlic dressing. You can even use Italian here if needed!

DO YOU EAT THIS RECIPE WARM OR COLD?

This salad is meant to be served cold but can be enjoyed once fully prepared as well. If serving cold, just make sure to cover & allow to cool in the fridge for at least one hour.

WHAT ADDITIONS CAN YOU ADD-IN?

Since this dish has chickpeas added in, you can definitely eat as is & still get a full balanced meal of healthy nutrients. However, if you want some additional heartiness, you can add in additional veggies, grilled meats, fish, or tofu along with this salad. You can even add top with feta cheese or olives if your heart desires!

TIPS FOR LEMON ORZO SALAD

Don’t rinse your orzo. Rinsing the orzo will remove some of the starches which helps the dressing adhere to the orzo.

Remove the seeds from your cucumber to help prevent your salad from getting soggy over time especially if you are using this recipe for meal prep.

If you can manage to wait a little longer to enjoy this salad, I recommend allowing this salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before eating. This will allow the flavors to truly blend for the best tasting salad.

HOW TO STORE:

Place ingredients in an airtight container & allow to chill in the fridge for up to 4 days. This salad is not appropriate for freezing.

Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad

This fresh & vibrant lemon orzo chickpea salad is the perfect dish to start welcoming in the spring & summer months. Full of bright yummy flavors that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 18

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings

Calories 268 kcal

Ingredients

1 ½ cups dry orzo
1 medium cucumber (deseeded & cubed)
¼ medium red onion (finely diced & optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
¼ cup sliced almonds
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 can chickpeas (drained)
handful chopped parsley (minced)
zest of one lemon (optional)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
pepper to taste
¼ cup lemon garlic dressing (home-made or store bought)

Instructions

Cook orzo according to package recommendations & instructions. Drain the orzo, but do not rinse it! Set it aside & prep the remaining ingredients.
Prepare your own lemon garlic dressing or use your favorite store-bought version. *Be sure to check the sodium & sugar content as store-bought versions can be loaded with salt & sugar. Light Italian dressing can be substituted here.
Prepare your veggies & herbs. Deseed & cube cucumber, dice onion, half cherry tomatoes, & chop parsley.
To a large bowl add in your orzo, then add in cucumber, onion, tomatoes, almonds, nutritional yeast, chickpeas, parsley, lemon zest, (optional red pepper flakes) & pour over your dressing. *¼ to ⅓ cup dressing, depending on preference.
Toss the salad together to coat & mix ingredients well. Sprinkle with pepper if desired. To allow the flavors to meld, I recommend chilling for at least one hour in the fridge before serving.