Chickpea & Orzo Bowl with Goat Cheese, Roasted Veggies & Walnuts Recipe
A wholesome and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bowl featuring tender orzo pasta, protein-rich chickpeas, and smoky roasted vegetables, topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy toasted walnuts. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Legumes
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, red onion), diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, optional and to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare Vegetables: Toss the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Cook Orzo: Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and let it cool slightly to prevent clumping.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chickpeas, roasted vegetables, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss gently to mix all flavors together.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts over the bowl to add creaminess and crunch.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the bowl warm or at room temperature for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Swap zucchini for eggplant or sweet potato if you want a heartier vegetable base.
- Try different nuts such as pecans, pine nuts, or almonds in place of walnuts for varied textures and flavors.
- Substitute goat cheese with crumbled feta or ricotta for a milder dairy flavor.
- This bowl is excellent served cold, making it ideal for picnics or meal prepping lunches.
- For added Mediterranean flair, incorporate olives or sun-dried tomatoes to enrich the flavor profile.
Keywords: chickpea orzo bowl, roasted vegetables, goat cheese, Mediterranean recipe, healthy vegetarian bowl, easy meal prep, roasted veggie bowl
