Roasted Vegetable Orzo with Feta and Fresh Basil Recipe

Introduction

This roasted vegetable orzo is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side. With tender, caramelized vegetables, tangy feta, and fresh basil, it combines simple ingredients into a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: Spread the zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on a baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Step 5: While the vegetables roast, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 6: Combine the roasted vegetables with the cooked orzo in a large bowl.
7. Step 7: Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil, then toss gently to combine.
8. Step 8: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture and toss again.
9. Step 9: Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use gluten-free orzo or small pasta shapes if preferred.
• Substitute the feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
• For a heartier meal, mix in cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or enjoy cold as a pasta salad.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nuts for added flavor.

What can I use instead of fresh basil?

If you don’t have fresh basil, substitute with fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs for a different but pleasant flavor.

Roasted Vegetable Orzo with Feta and Fresh Basil Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 191 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful roasted vegetable orzo salad combining tender roasted zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Tossed with crumbled feta, fresh basil, and a bright lemon dressing, this dish makes a delightful warm or room temperature side or light main.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, sliced

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Spread the diced zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Season Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic, then toss them to coat everything evenly.
4. Roast Vegetables: Roast the seasoned vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized for maximum flavor.
5. Cook Orzo: While vegetables roast, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
6. Combine Ingredients: Once vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a large bowl; add the cooked orzo and gently combine.
7. Add Feta and Herbs: Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil to the bowl and toss gently to mix.
8. Finish with Lemon: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture and toss again to combine all flavors.
9. Serve: Serve the roasted vegetable orzo warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light meal.

Notes

• You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes if preferred.
• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• The dish can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled as a pasta salad.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to taste for preferred tanginess and saltiness.

Keywords: roasted vegetable orzo, Mediterranean pasta salad, vegetarian pasta dish, roasted vegetables, lemon feta orzo