Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad

Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, this lemon chickpea orzo salad is an easy addition to cookouts, picnics, and busy weeknight meals. Chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs create a satisfying combination of creamy and crunchy textures. A simple dressing of olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice brings everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

This recipe was created by Carol Bell, a registered dietitian at Table Health in Traverse City, who joined us in Oryana’s Community Kitchen to whip up this fresh and flavorful dish! Serve this chickpea cucumber salad as a light main dish or pair it with your favorite grilled foods for a refreshing summer side.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Made with colorful, fresh ingredients
  • Plant-based
  • Easy to customize with your favorite herbs
  • Delicious as either a side dish or light meal

Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumbers, sliced into half moons
  • 1 x 15oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (white beans ok too)
  • 1/4 cup finely minced fresh basil or parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Lemon Chickpea Orzo Salad Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Grated rind of one lemon (about 2 tsp)
  • Juice of one lemon (about 4 Tbsp)
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed*
  • 2 scallions, minced fine
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

How to Make Chickpea Salad

Toss all ingredients together in a bowl. Taste and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your liking. Serve immediately. This salad can sit for about an hour at room temperature before serving.

Chickpea Salad Ideas and Serving Suggestions

This easy chickpea salad is flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, but it also makes a versatile side dish. Serve it alongside veggie burgers, grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite picnic foods.

For a chickpea salad with dill, make dill the star of your fresh herb mixture. You can also experiment with parsley, basil, chives, or a combination of several herbs. Each option gives the salad a slightly different flavor while keeping the original recipe simple and refreshing.

More Chickpea Salad Ideas

Looking for more chickpea salad ideas? Try these flavorful, plant-based recipes for fresh inspiration throughout the seasons:

Keep Cookin’ with Oryana

Ready to make this lemon chickpea orzo salad or explore more plant-based recipes? Stop by Oryana for fresh produce, local ingredients, and helpful ideas for your next meal. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly recipes and seasonal inspiration, then explore our calendar of classes to learn new techniques and discover even more dishes.

Meet Carol Bell, MS, RD, LMT

Carol Bell is a registered dietitian and licensed massage therapist at Table Health in Traverse City. She works with individuals and families through personalized nutrition counseling, meal planning, and hands-on cooking education, helping people build practical, nourishing habits that fit their everyday lives.

Learn more about Carol Bell at Table Health.