Chilled Orzo Salad with Lemon-Labneh Roasted Beets & Crispy Chickpeas
This refreshing salad features chilled lemony orzo layered over creamy labneh, with sweet roasted beets, herby cucumber, crunchy chickpeas, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s tangy, creamy, colorful — and looks like something from a boutique Mediterranean bistro.
⏱ Time:
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes (for beets & chickpeas)
- Chill: 15 minutes (optional)
- Total: ~45–50 minutes
Ingredients
For the orzo:
¾ cup dry orzo pasta
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp olive oil
Salt to taste
For the toppings:
2 small beets, peeled & cubed
1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
½ cup canned chickpeas (rinsed, dried)
½ tsp cumin + pinch salt
½ cup diced cucumber
2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
Microgreens (for garnish)
For the lemon-labneh base:
½ cup labneh (or thick Greek yogurt)
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Roast the beets & chickpeas:
Toss beet cubes with olive oil, balsamic, and a pinch of salt.
On a separate tray, toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, and salt.
Roast both at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 mins until beets are tender and chickpeas crispy.
2. Cook the orzo:
Boil orzo in salted water according to package.
Drain, rinse under cold water, then toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix the lemon-labneh:
Whisk together labneh, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
4. Assemble:
On a plate, swipe or spread a generous layer of lemon-labneh.
Spoon the chilled lemon orzo on top.
Add roasted beets, cucumber, herbs, crispy chickpeas, and pomegranate.
Drizzle with good olive oil and garnish with microgreens.
Tips:
- Chill everything before serving for the most refreshing flavor.
- Add goat cheese instead of labneh for a tangier twist.
- You can roast extra veggies like carrots or zucchini for more variety.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Store each component separately. Assemble just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have labneh?
Use full-fat Greek yogurt, strained until thick.
Nutritional Value
Calories: ~320
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 34g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g