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Lemon Dill Chickpea Orzo Salad recipe

Lemon Dill Chickpea Orzo Salad

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
A refreshing summer salad combining orzo, chickpeas, and a lemon dill dressing for a delightful dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Saucepan for cooking orzo

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped

Lemon Dill Dressing

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • While orzo is cooking, dice cucumbers and chop dill and red onion.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, chickpeas, cucumbers, dill, and red onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serving

  • Serve chilled as a side dish or main course. Garnish with additional dill if desired.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor infusion.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option.
How to Serve: Enjoy as a refreshing side dish or mix with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Keep in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare salad and dressing separately, combining just before serving.
Keyword chickpea salad, lemon dill salad, orzo salad