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Chickpea Orzo Bowl with Feta, Cranberries & Honey Dressing

Chickpea Orzo Bowl with Feta, Cranberries & Honey Dressing


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  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Chickpea Orzo Bowl with Feta, Cranberries & Honey Dressing is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Tender orzo is tossed with creamy feta, sweet-tart cranberries, protein-packed chickpeas, and a bright honey Dijon vinaigrette. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a refreshing light dinner.


Ingredients

  • For the salad:
  • 1 cup orzo pasta

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional)

  • For the honey dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

  • Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking.

  • In a large bowl, combine orzo, chickpeas, cranberries, feta, parsley, red onion, and almonds (if using).

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.

  • Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

 

  • Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, swap the feta for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.

  • This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just stir and refresh with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

  • To toast almonds: heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

  • Gluten-free? Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or quinoa.

 

  • Great as a side dish or main—add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for more heartiness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Main Dish
  • Method: No-cook (aside from pasta boiling)
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg