Greek Chickpea Orzo Salad

Name: Greek Chickpea Orzo Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/2 container fresh cherry tomatoes; 1 cucumber sliced and quartered; 2.5 oz. sliced black olives; 1 cup chickpea orzo; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 Tbsp. oregano; 1 Tbsp. parsley; 1 tsp. basil; Pinch of sea salt; Pinch of black pepper; 2 Tbsp. Greek Vinaigrette

Contributor: Nicole Irish

Swapping traditional pasta for chickpea orzo pasta creates a delightfully decadent side dish that pairs nicely with chicken or fish. This 15-minute dish is nutrient-dense with lots of protein and fiber. You may want to make a little extra for lunch the next day! Enjoy!

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eIf you are looking for a way to enjoy a fresh, light summer pasta salad without the heavy carbs, this recipe is for you!

Swapping traditional pasta with chickpea orzo is a great way to add protein to dishes for a more balanced meal.

Chickpeas are probably best known as the main ingredient in hummus or added to a salad. But there are many ways to enjoy this nutrient-dense vegetable.

Health benefits of chickpeas

Chickpeas are classified as a legume and many old and new studies support the overall benefits of adding these to your diet.

Heart Health – Eating legumes such as chickpeas contain fiber and polyphenol plant compounds that can help lower the risk of heart disease. Legumes can be eaten alone as a stand-alone dish. However, swapping traditional foods for legume-based foods is a great way to sneak more protein and fiber into your diet.

Blood Sugar – Maintaining a healthy blood sugar can help lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Consuming fiber and protein foods helps slow digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream.

Traditional wheat pasta can spike your blood sugar. While chickpea pasta can help maintain a healthy even blood sugar level.

Healthy Digestion – Fiber-rich foods can contain insoluble and soluble fiber, which both help aid digestion. Chickpeas are high in soluble fiber which attracts water forming a gel and helping slow digestion.

Healthy Weight – The fiber and protein in chickpeas help slow digestion and maintain a healthy blood sugar level making you feel full longer. Also, without the sugar spikes you will be less likely to binge eat.

Favorite ingredients

Greek Chickpea Orzo Salad

Recipe by Nicole IrishCourse: SidesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

Swapping traditional pasta for chickpea orzo pasta creates a delightfully decadent side dish that pairs nicely with chicken or fish. This 15-minute dish is nutrient-dense with lots of protein and fiber. You may want to make a little extra for lunch the next day! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/2 container fresh cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber sliced and quartered
2.5 oz. sliced black olives
1 cup chickpea orzo
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 Tbsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. basil
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of black pepper
2 Tbsp. Greek Vinaigrette

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of chickpea orzo pasta and cook for 9-12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Drain and let cool.
While the pasta is cooking, slice and quarter cucumber, and slice cherry tomatoes in half. Drain black olives.
In a medium serving bowl, add cucumber, tomatoes, black olives, feta, chickpea orzo, seasonings, and vinaigrette. Toss until mixed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve cold.