Fresh, vibrant and easy to make, this lemon orzo chickpea salad is the perfect dish to start welcoming spring and summer. This salad is full of flavor from the zippy lemon garlic dressing and can be prepped in minutes.
Meals like this remind me of bright spring afternoons. Fresh veggies, spending time outside soaking up sun and enjoying food with family outside. This bowl of lemon orzo chickpea salad tastes exactly how I imagine the start of spring, fresh! We still have a little bit of time to wait between fluctuating weather, but I’m patient. So between this salad and alternating it with a warm bowl of my favorite lemon orzo soup, I am holding strong with the anticipation of spring very soon.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS LEMON ORZO CHICKPEA SALAD
Super quick and easy to make. The orzo takes a few minutes to cook and everything else gets thrown into a bowl to toss together.
This recipe is vegan and can be easily modified to be gluten free and nut free.
A great way to use up fresh veggies and herbs that might be on their way out in the fridge.
KEY INGREDIENTS
- Orzo: the main starch in our dish
- Lemon: need both the juice and zest
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: we’re opting for EVOO for that really robust taste that will adhere to the salad
- Chickpeas: for a little extra plant based protein
- Nutritional Yeast: provides a little umami flavor in place of using any cheese
- Herbs: fresh herbs like parsley for a little bit of brightness to this salad
- Vegetables: vegetables of your choice like cucumbers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes
HOW TO MAKE THIS SALAD PERFECTLY
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, making sure salt the water well. Add in orzo and cook according to package instructions. Drain your pasta and set aside making sure not to rinse.
Prepare your dressing by mixing together all dressing ingredients well in a small bowl or jar.
To a large mixing bowl add your orzo, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, nutritional yeast, lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
TIPS FOR MAKING ORZO SALAD
- Make sure to salt your water when cooking your orzo! This will impact the flavor of your pasta, which will also help to enhance the flavor of your salad at the end.
- Don’t rinse your orzo. Rinsing the orzo will remove some of the starches that helps to adhere the sauce 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 for meal prep.
IS ORZO HEALTHY?
While many view pasta negatively, pasta like orzo is made with semolina flour, which is a little different than regular flour. This flour comes with a little protein and fiber to it, even it’s more refined state. Balancing this orzo with all the vegetables, chickpeas and herbs makes for a very nutritious and satisfying meal.
DO YOU EAT PASTA SALAD WARM OR COLD?
This salad is meant to enjoy cold, but can be enjoyed once fully prepared as well. If enjoying cold, just make sure to cover and allow to cool in the fridge for at least an hour.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE THIS ORZO PASTA WITH?
Since this dish has chickpeas added in, you can technically eat as is and still get a full balance of nutrients. However, if you want some additional fullness, you can enjoy some veggie skewers or baked or grilled tofu along with this salad.
CAN YOU MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS TO THIS SALAD?
- GLUTEN FREE: You can substitute the orzo with some quinoa, gluten free orzo or Banza’s Chickpea Rice for this recipe. Follow package instructions for best results when preparing.
- SWEETENER: You can replace the agave with another liquid sweetener of choice like maple syrup.
- BEANS: Sub out the chickpeas for white beans, tofu or your favorite plant based meat alternative.
- NUTS: You can replace the almonds with pepitas, hemp hearts or sunflower seeds.
STORING YOUR LEMON ORZO CHICKPEA SALAD
Place ingredients in an airtight container and allow to chill in the fridge for up to 4 days. This salad is not appropriate for freezing.
MORE DELICIOUS SALAD IDEAS
Chili Lime Bean Salad
Lemon Tahini Quinoa Salad
Tahini Pesto Tofu Salad
Peanut Crunch Salad
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