Name: Easy Orzo and Chickpea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3/4 cup dried orzo; 6 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground pepper; 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled; 1 1/2 cups chopped cucumber; 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes; 3 cups cooked chickpeas (or 3 cups canned, rinsed chickpeas)

Description

This Easy Orzo and Chickpea Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. Combining tender orzo pasta with protein-packed chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy goat cheese, all tossed in a zesty oregano vinaigrette. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is both nutritious and flavorful, ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

3/4 cup dried orzo

Dressing

6 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper

Salad Mix

4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
1 1/2 cups chopped cucumber
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
3 cups cooked chickpeas (or 3 cups canned, rinsed chickpeas)

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Instructions

Cook Orzo: Cook the orzo according to package directions until tender. Drain the orzo and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
Make Vinaigrette: While the orzo is cooking, prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small mason jar. Seal and shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked orzo, crumbled goat cheese, chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and chickpeas. Pour about three-quarters of the oregano vinaigrette over the mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir the salad and add the remaining vinaigrette if desired for extra flavor.

Notes

Using canned chickpeas saves time, just be sure to rinse them well to reduce sodium.
Feel free to substitute goat cheese with feta if preferred.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavor but can be served immediately if needed.
For a vegan version, omit goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can give an extra flavor boost.