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Roasted Vegetable Orzo Recipe

Roasted Vegetable Orzo Recipe

5 from 24 reviews

A vibrant and easy-to-make Roasted Vegetable Orzo salad featuring tender orzo pasta and caramelized seasonal vegetables, finished with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and optional cheese for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • Salted water, for boiling

Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano/thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

To Finish

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: crumbled feta, grated parmesan, or chopped basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
  2. Roast Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss diced zucchini, chopped red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion with olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are caramelized and tender.
  3. Cook Orzo: While the vegetables roast, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo thoroughly and set aside.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, roasted vegetables, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
  5. Finish and Serve: Add optional crumbled feta, grated parmesan, or chopped basil if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper. Serve the dish warm or chilled according to your preference.

Notes

  • You can substitute orzo with any small pasta shapes if preferred.
  • The roasted vegetables can be varied depending on seasonal availability.
  • For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
  • The dish can be served warm as a side or chilled as a refreshing summer salad.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted vegetable orzo, Mediterranean pasta salad, vegetarian orzo recipe, easy roasted vegetable dish, healthy pasta salad