Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad | Elizabeth Rider

You are going to love this Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad. This easy recipe is vibrant, nourishing and you can meal prep ahead or serve at your next gathering. I love making this salad in the spring or summer, as it doesn’t heat up the house to make on warmer days.

This salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, hearty chickpeas, a satisfying crunch from almonds, and tossed in the most delicious homemade lemon garlic dressing.

Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, protein-packed, dairy-free and easy to customize based on what you have on hand. You can easily make this a complete meal by topping it off with grilled chicken breast.

What You’ll Love About Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad

• Bright, fresh flavors: Thanks to the lemon garlic dressing and plenty of fresh herbs.
• Easy to make: Ready in about 25 minutes, start to finish.
• Perfect for meal prep: Holds up well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Loaded with protein: Chickpeas add fiber and staying power.
• Customizable: Swap the veggies based on what’s in season or what you love most. Broccoli and cauliflower florets would make great additions.

What You’ll Need To Make Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad

For the Orzo Salad:

• Orzo pasta: Tiny pasta that feels delicate yet hearty. I recommend using regular orzo, but whole wheat orzo can work too.
• Cucumber: Deseeded and diced for a crisp, refreshing crunch. Feel free to leave the skin on.
• Red onion: Adds a little bite; you can soak it in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: Look for the more firm ones.
• Sliced almonds: For a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats.
• Chickpeas: Rinsed and drained; they bring protein, fiber, and a creamy texture.
• Parsley and green onion: Fresh herbs make the flavors pop.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a subtle heat that really lifts the dish.

For the Lemon Garlic Dressing:

• Extra-virgin olive oil: A heart-healthy fat and the base of our dressing.
• White wine vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity that complements the lemon. You can swap out with white balsamic vinegar.
• Fresh lemon juice: Bright and zesty flavor. The citrus is the star of the dressing.
• Garlic: Crushed for the best flavor, otherwise minced works too.
• Honey: Just a hint to balance out the acidity. You can use a little bit of cane sugar as a substitute.
• Dried basil and oregano: Bring in a Mediterranean vibe. Italian seasoning works fine if needed.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

(See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.)

How to Make Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad

1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, crushed garlic, honey, basil, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, almonds, chickpeas, parsley, green onion, and red pepper flakes.
4. Dress it up: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
5. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy it alone or top it with grilled chicken breast for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta shapes. Cooked quinoa is also a delicious gluten free alternative.
• Add extra veggies: Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, chopped broccoli or even spinach would be great additions.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken to make this orzo salad a complete meal. Grilled shrimp would be delicious as well.
• Make it vegan: This salad is already vegan unless you substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Meal prep tip: Store the salad and dressing separately if you’re making it more than a day ahead. Toss together right before serving for the freshest flavor.

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