Are you craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast? Look no further than this mouthwatering Warm Orzo and Chickpea Salad with Spinach! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, protein-packed dish that's not only incredibly satisfying but also bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a delightful meal that comes together in a flash, this recipe is your perfect culinary companion.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 1 cup of orzo pasta, drain and rinse 1 can of chickpeas, chop 2 cups of fresh spinach, halve 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, and dice 1/4 cup of red onion. Set these aside for later use.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- When the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help prevent the orzo from sticking together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained orzo, chickpeas, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
- Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve in bowls and enjoy your warm orzo and chickpea salad with spinach!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Cook orzo al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness. Always salt your cooking water for maximum flavor.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your dressing thoroughly to ensure the olive oil and lemon juice emulsify, creating a smooth, well-distributed flavor.
- Temperature Flexibility: This salad is delicious warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add feta cheese, olives, or grilled chicken to make the salad more substantial.
- Storage Tip: The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simply refresh with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
- Ingredient Swap: No spinach? Try kale or arugula for a different nutritional profile and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
