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

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

4.9 from 24 reviews

A vibrant and nutritious Chickpea & Orzo Bowl featuring flavorful roasted vegetables, crispy seasoned chickpeas, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts. This easy-to-make dish combines Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for a wholesome meal packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Veggies

  • 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

Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Chickpeas

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and cherry tomatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to coat well, then roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Cook the Orzo: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a pot. Add the orzo and cook until it becomes tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if necessary. Stir in olive oil and season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
  3. Season the Chickpeas: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the drained chickpeas and sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas turn lightly crispy on the outside.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: In individual serving bowls, add a base layer of cooked orzo. Top with the roasted vegetables and the crispy seasoned chickpeas to build layers of flavor and texture.
  5. Finish & Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts over each bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional bright, citrusy squeeze to complement the dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute orzo with couscous or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
  • For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
  • Adjust the seasoning of the chickpeas according to your spice preference.
  • Would also pair well with a drizzle of tahini or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea bowl, orzo recipe, roasted vegetables, Mediterranean bowl, vegetarian meal, healthy dinner, feta cheese, walnuts, easy weeknight dinner