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Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad

Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad: Refreshing & Nourishing Delight

Bright and zesty Lemon Orzo Chickpea Salad with vibrant flavors perfect for a wholesome plant-based meal.
Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 26 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo salt the boiling water well to enhance flavor.
  • 1 can Chickpeas drained; can substitute with white beans or tofu.
  • 1 cup Cucumbers chopped; feel free to substitute with any fresh veggies on hand.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved;
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion diced;
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley chopped;
For the Dressing
  • 1 each Lemon juice and zest.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast as a cheese substitute.
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced;
  • to taste Salt adjust after chilling if flavors seem muted.
  • to taste Pepper adjust after chilling if flavors seem muted.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Step 1: Boil the Orzo - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain without rinsing.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Dressing - In a small mixing bowl or a jar, combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
  4. Step 4: Dress the Salad - Pour dressing over the salad. Toss to coat all ingredients well.
  5. Step 5: Chill and Serve - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

No rinsing the orzo retains starch for better dressing adherence. Cool down for flavor enhancement.

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