Vegetable Orzo with Lemon Herb Seasoning

Brighten up your dinner table with this refreshing and flavor-packed Vegetable Orzo with Lemon Herb Seasoning! This vibrant dish combines tender orzo pasta with a medley of sautéed vegetables, including zucchini, red bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in a savory vegetable broth. Infused with the zesty freshness of lemon juice and zest, and topped with fragrant parsley and basil, this recipe is a delightful balance of hearty and light. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings. Serve it as a satisfying vegetarian main or a zesty side dish, and elevate it further with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Stir the cooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring it is evenly coated with the vegetable mixture.

Step 7

Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Step 9

Serve warm as a main dish or as a side to your favorite protein. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1720.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2007.4

Total Fat 57.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 47.4mg	0%
Sodium 3794.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 306.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 34.0g
Protein 79.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 945.8mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 2762.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.1%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 59.4%