5.0 from 12 votes
Mediterranean Chickpea and Orzo Salad
This easy Chickpea and Orzo Salad recipe has all the flavors of the Mediterranean- olives, feta, sun dried tomatoes, and garlic- with an awesome crunch from toasted almonds. It's packed with fiber and nutrients and is great as a side at a potluck or an entire meal.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 588 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo regular or whole wheat
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 2 cups baby arugula or spinach, or a combination or both, roughly chopped and packed
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided, plus more for serving
- Juice of one lemon about 2 tablespoons
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or one large clove)
- 15 oz. canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 4 oz. feta cheese chopped or crumbled
- 1 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds toasted
Instructions
- Cook orzo (1 cup) in boiling water with 1 teaspoon of the salt until al dente.
- Drain and return to pot, and stir with 1 tablespoon olive oil and greens. Allow greens to wilt from the heat of the pasta, stirring occasionally. Allow mixture to cool for at least ten minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, minced garlic clove, and lemon juice to make the dressing in the bottom of a large bowl
- Add the remaining ingredients and cooled orzo mixture, to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat.
- If you have time, allow salad to sit for at least thirty minutes (or overnight) in the fridge before serving to allow flavors to marry.
- Serve drizzled with extra olive oil.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese (or use your favorite vegan cheese as a substitute).
- The provided nutrition information does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. Feel free to calculate it yourself using this calculator or by adding the recipe to Yummly.
Nutrition Information
Calories
588kcal
(29%)
Carbohydrates
52g
(17%)
Protein
19g
(38%)
Fat
36g
(55%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Cholesterol
25mg
(8%)
Sodium
2343mg
(98%)
Potassium
627mg
(18%)
Fiber
10g
(40%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
904IU
(18%)
Vitamin C
19mg
(21%)
Calcium
266mg
(27%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 588
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 588kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 2343mg | 98% |
| Potassium | 627mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 904IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 266mg | 27% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.