Roasted Vegetable Orzo Recipe
This Roasted Vegetable Orzo is a vibrant, healthy dish combining tender roasted veggies with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, tossed with zesty lemon juice, fresh basil, and creamy feta cheese. Ideal as a light lunch or a flavorful side, it offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired taste with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced
Seasonings and Extras
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Vegetables: Spread the diced zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion evenly on a baking sheet to allow proper roasting.
- Season Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Toss the vegetables gently to coat them thoroughly with the oil and seasonings.
- Roast Veggies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Cook Orzo: While the vegetables roast, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables with the cooked orzo. This creates the base of the dish with flavorful textures.
- Add Cheese & Herbs: Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil to the bowl. Toss gently to evenly distribute the flavors without breaking up the cheese too much.
- Finish with Lemon: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture and toss again to incorporate the fresh citrus tang, brightening the overall flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes if desired.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Roasting time may vary slightly depending on your oven; vegetables should be tender and caramelized but not burnt.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts can provide extra crunch and flavor.
Keywords: roasted vegetable orzo, Mediterranean pasta salad, easy vegetarian dinner, roasted veggies, orzo pasta recipe
Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/roasted-vegetable-orzo-recipe/
