Lemon Orzo Salad with Chickpeas & Olives

 

Bright, zesty, and filling enough to keep you going all afternoon. Perfect for meal prep too.

Servings: 4

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 10–12 mins | Total: ~25 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 8.9 ounces whole wheat orzo

• 14.3 ounces canned chickpeas, drained

• 7.1 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 pieces bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

• 2.9 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

• 0.5 pieces cucumber, diced

• 0.7 ounces fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 pieces lemon (juice and zest)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pieces garlic clove, minced

• 1 pinch salt and black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook 8.9 ounces whole wheat orzo according to package instructions until just al dente — usually about 8–9 minutes. You want it with a little bite, not mushy! Drain and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the juice and zest of 2 pieces lemon (juice and zest), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pieces garlic clove, minced, and 1 pinch salt and black pepper. Taste it — it should be punchy and bright. This dressing is what makes the whole salad sing.

3. Combine everything: In a large bowl, add the cooled 8.9 ounces whole wheat orzo, 14.3 ounces canned chickpeas, drained, 7.1 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 pieces bell pepper (red or yellow), diced, 2.9 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted and halved, and 0.5 pieces cucumber, diced. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.

4. Finish and serve: Scatter 0.7 ounces fresh parsley, chopped over the top and give it one last toss. Taste and adjust seasoning — it might need a little extra lemon or salt. Serve straight away or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Info (per serving): 

Calories: ~380 | Protein: 14g | Carbs: 56g | Fat: 12g | Fibre: 8g | Vitamin C: 60% DV

💡 Tip: This salad actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavours meld. Make a big batch on Sunday for easy lunches all week!

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