Greek lemon orzo bean salad (Printable)

Tender orzo and chickpeas with fresh herbs and lemon vinaigrette create a bright, Mediterranean medley.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta & Beans

01 - 1 cup dry orzo pasta
02 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Fresh Vegetables & Herbs

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small cucumber, diced
05 - 4 scallions, thinly sliced
06 - ½ cup fresh dill, chopped
07 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Vinaigrette

08 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
09 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
11 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
12 - ½ tsp dried oregano
13 - ½ tsp sea salt
14 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Optional Additions

15 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
16 - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

# How to Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, scallions, dill, and parsley.
03 - Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Fold in crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives if using.
06 - Adjust seasoning to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to settle into each other.
  • You can eat it straight from the fridge or let it sit on the counter, no reheating needed.
  • The dill brings a fresh, grassy note that makes the whole bowl feel alive.
02 -
  • Rinsing the orzo under cold water is not optional, it stops the starch from making everything gummy.
  • Don't add the feta too early or it will dissolve into the dressing and turn the salad cloudy.
03 -
  • Use a microplane to zest the lemon directly over the bowl so you catch all the fragrant oils.
  • If your feta is especially salty, cut back on the salt in the vinaigrette and adjust after tasting.
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