Mediterranean Orzo Chickpeas Veggies (Printable version)

Orzo, chickpeas, and fresh Mediterranean vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta & Legumes

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
07 - 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
08 - 2 cups baby spinach, fresh

→ Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

15 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Boil orzo in a large pot of salted water following package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt further cooking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, diced roasted red peppers, and fresh baby spinach.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, vigorously whisk extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
05 - Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh basil.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • If you crave flavor that feels both fresh and filling, this recipe is like a mini Mediterranean getaway.
  • The ease of tossing everything together makes it a go-to when you want wholesome food without fuss.
02 -
  • Undercooking the orzo leaves it too chewy—once I learned to taste a grain or two before draining, I never went back.
  • Adding the spinach while the orzo is freshly drained gives just the right wilt, transforming it from salad to something a little cozier.
03 -
  • If making for a picnic or potluck, chill everything in the fridge and pack the dressing separately to toss just before serving.
  • A gentle hand when scooping in the feta and herbs keeps everything pretty and inviting, not mushy.
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