Description
A vibrant and hearty Chickpea & Orzo Bowl featuring tender roasted vegetables, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted walnuts. This nutritious and flavorful dish combines tender orzo pasta with smoky spiced chickpeas and colorful veggies, finished with fresh parsley and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a perfect wholesome meal for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Legumes
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Toss Vegetables and Chickpeas: In a large bowl, combine chopped zucchini, red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and chickpeas. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Roast the Vegetables and Chickpeas: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and have some caramelization.
- Cook Orzo: While the vegetables roast, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain the orzo well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo with the roasted vegetables and chickpeas, ensuring even distribution.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the lemon juice over the orzo mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the bowl with crumbled feta cheese, toasted chopped walnuts, and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or eggplant for variation.
- Walnuts can be toasted in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- This dish can be served warm or cold, making it great for meal prep or picnics.
- To make this vegan, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and spices.
