Lemony Orzo with Charred Broccolini Feta & Crispy Chickpeas
This vibrant, zesty orzo dish is tossed with smoky charred broccolini, crispy spiced chickpeas, crumbled feta, and a punchy lemon-garlic dressing. It’s a warm grain salad meets pasta bowl — tangy, creamy, crunchy, and deeply satisfying.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Orzo Base:
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Charred Broccolini:
1 bunch broccolini (or tenderstem broccoli), trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
For the Crispy Chickpeas:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cumin
Salt to taste
Toppings:
¼ cup crumbled feta
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley
Chili flakes (optional)
Extra lemon wedges for serving
Lemon-Garlic Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Orzo
Cook orzo in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Roast the Chickpeas
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Roast on a sheet pan for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp.
3. Char the Broccolini
While chickpeas roast, heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Toss broccolini with oil, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until charred but still tender.
4. Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Assemble
Toss the orzo with charred broccolini and the dressing. Plate and top with crispy chickpeas, crumbled feta, fresh dill, and chili flakes if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
Add protein: Top with grilled shrimp, salmon, or a poached egg.
No orzo? Substitute with couscous, quinoa, or pearl barley.
Vegan option: Omit feta or use a plant-based version.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Can I serve this cold?
Absolutely — it makes a great chilled pasta salad for meal prep.
Can I use broccoli instead of broccolini?
Yes, just slice it thin so it cooks quickly and gets slightly charred.
Do the chickpeas stay crispy?
They’re crispiest fresh, but store well for a day in a sealed container.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 460
Protein: 16g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 4g