Name: Orzo Recipes: Lemon Herb Orzo with Roasted Vegetables &amp; Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 3 cups mixed vegetables (1-inch pieces) — e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion; 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 lemon (zest and 3 tbsp juice); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional); 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water; 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or 1 tsp red wine vinegar (optional finishing)

Orzo Recipes: Lemon Herb Orzo with Roasted Vegetables & Feta

Bright, quick-orzo recipes come alive in this lemon herb orzo tossed with oven-roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a satisfying weeknight crowd-pleaser.

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Prep Time 15 min

🔥

Cook Time 30 min

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Total Time 45 min

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Servings 4

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Difficulty Medium

Instructions

1
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Step 2: Toss mixed vegetables with 1½ tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast 18–22 minutes, turning once, until vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
3
Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain orzo.
4
Step 4: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining 1½ tablespoons olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown.
5
Step 5: Add cooked orzo to the skillet with lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, and the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and warm through for 1–2 minutes.
6
Step 6: Transfer orzo to a large bowl. Fold in roasted vegetables, chopped parsley, basil, and crumbled feta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if desired.
7
Step 7: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or red wine vinegar if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.

💡 tips

For a creamier texture, stir in 2–3 tablespoons plain yogurt or ricotta just before serving. Roast vegetables on a single layer for even browning; use higher heat for caramelization. Prepare components ahead: roast vegetables and cook orzo a day in advance and combine just before serving.

🔄 substitutions

Swap feta for cubed halloumi or goat cheese; use gluten-free orzo or small rice for a gluten-free option; replace pine nuts with chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds; use lemon zest + white wine vinegar instead of balsamic glaze.