Name: Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup orzo; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup chopped walnuts; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges

Jump to Recipe

The Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts is an absolute celebration of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures all in one bowl. This dish effortlessly combines tender orzo pasta cooked in savory vegetable broth with perfectly caramelized roasted vegetables, crispy-spiced chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Brightened with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, it’s a meal that feels joyful and nourishing, perfect for lunches, dinners, or those moments when you want something wholesome but exciting. You’ll be amazed how this bowl comes together with simple ingredients, yet tastes like a gourmet experience.

Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts plays an important role in creating balanced flavors, a beautiful color palette, and delightful textures. From the herbaceous roasted vegetables to the creamy bursts of feta, here’s everything you’ll want on hand to make this dish shine.

Zucchini: Adds a fresh and slightly crisp texture that roasts beautifully without overpowering.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color, complementing the earthiness of the chickpeas.
Red onion: Offers a subtle pungency that mellows during roasting for a perfect savoriness.
Cherry tomatoes: Burst with acidity and juiciness when roasted, brightening the bowl.
Olive oil: Essential for roasting and sautéing, adding rich flavor and helping achieve caramelization.
Dried oregano: Gives a hint of Mediterranean aroma that ties all the veggies together.
Garlic powder: Provides warm, garlicky depth throughout both the roasted veggies and chickpeas.
Paprika: Adds smoky notes and a gentle kick, especially in the crispy chickpeas.
Salt & pepper: The foundation of seasoning that balances every component.
Orzo: The star pasta of the dish, whose small, rice-like shape soaks up all the flavors.
Vegetable broth: Used to cook the orzo, infusing it with savory goodness.
Chickpeas (canned): Protein-packed and hearty; crisped up with spices for texture contrasts.
Feta cheese: Crumbled atop the bowl for tangy creaminess that enhances every bite.
Walnuts: Provide delightful crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor pairing wonderfully with feta.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish and lovely green color.
Lemon wedges: For squeezing over the top, bringing brightness and a welcome zing.

How to Make Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Toss to coat all the veggies in this fragrant seasoning mix. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender, caramelized at the edges, and bursting with flavor. Roasting the veggies brings out their natural sweetness and adds a beautifully complex taste dimension to the bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

While the veggies roast, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a pot. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, roughly 8 to 10 minutes, until tender but still with a slight bite. If needed, drain any excess liquid, then stir in a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt to keep the orzo fluffy and flavorful. The orzo acts as the perfect base for all the toppings, soaking up the juices and seasoning for a satisfying mouthfeel.

Step 3: Season and Crisp the Chickpeas

In a skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, then sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas turn golden and develop a crispy exterior. This step transforms simple chickpeas into crunchy, spiced morsels that add both protein and texture contrast in the Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Now for the fun part! Start by placing the fluffy orzo into your serving bowl. Top generously with the warm roasted vegetables and the crispy seasoned chickpeas. This layering ensures each spoonful combines creamy pasta, sweet-roasted veggies, and crunchy chickpeas for an explosion of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the assembled bowl with crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts, then scatter fresh parsley over the top for a pop of green freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over right before eating, adding a lively brightness that ties the whole dish together. Enjoy your Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts that’s both nourishing and decadently delicious.

How to Serve Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts

Garnishes

Besides the crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, and parsley that the recipe calls for, feel free to sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a gentle heat if you love a bit of spice.

Side Dishes

This bowl is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to expand your meal, serve it alongside warm pita bread or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted beet salad or grilled asparagus would also complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering the main bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a colorful presentation, serve the bowl layered in clear glass bowls or mason jars—perfect for meal prep or to wow guests. You can also make it into wraps by spooning the mixture into warm tortillas, garnishing with extra feta and parsley for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired wrap variation of the Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts into airtight containers. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop wonderfully overnight, making it a brilliant option for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

Freezing

For best texture, it’s recommended to freeze roasted veggies and chickpeas separately from the orzo, as pasta can become mushy when frozen. Store portions of veggies and chickpeas in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat your bowl, gently warm the orzo and roasted veggies either in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to avoid dryness. If using frozen components, thaw completely first. Add fresh toppings like feta, walnuts, and parsley after warming to keep textures fresh and flavors bright.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even quinoa make great alternatives. The key is to use something that can mingle well with the chickpeas and veggies without overpowering them.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

The recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or simply omit it, and still enjoy all the other wonderful flavors in the Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts.

Can I roast other vegetables instead?

Feel free to customize! Vegetables like eggplant, carrots, or sweet potatoes also roast beautifully and add their own unique sweetness and texture. Just adjust roasting time accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly.

How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a gentle warming spice from the paprika and garlic powder, but it’s not intensely spicy. If you prefer more heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the chickpeas will do the trick.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Definitely! The Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts holds up well over several days and offers nutritious, balanced meals throughout the week. Keep toppings like walnuts and fresh herbs separate until ready to eat for the freshest texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Feta, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts is one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is exciting—a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether you want a nourishing lunch, a vibrant dinner, or a flavorful meal prep option, this bowl brings all the elements you crave in a nourish-yourself kind of way. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and discover how even the simplest ingredients can create something extraordinary.