Description
Fresh and wholesome, this healthy orzo recipe is a colorful medley of fluffy orzo pasta and fresh vegetables, all drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or lively gatherings, this dish can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile addition to any meal. In under 30 minutes, you’ll create a delicious and nutritious dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- ½ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the orzo and cook for about 8 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Chop Veggies: Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and herbs into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, mix drained orzo with chopped veggies and dressing until well combined.
- Serve: Transfer to plates or bowls. Garnish with extra herbs if desired. Enjoy warm or chill for an hour before serving cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg