Roasted Vegetable Orzo with Feta and Fresh Basil Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Roasted Vegetable Orzo dish combining tender, caramelized vegetables with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, and creamy feta cheese. This easy, healthy meal is perfect served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast your vegetables properly.
- Prepare the vegetables: Spread the diced zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion evenly on a baking sheet to allow even roasting.
- Season and coat the vegetables: Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic on top. Toss everything well to coat all pieces evenly for optimal flavor.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and develop a slight caramelization.
- Cook the orzo: While vegetables roast, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large bowl and mix them with the cooked orzo to combine flavors.
- Add cheese and herbs: Mix in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil carefully to distribute evenly without breaking the cheese too much.
- Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the mixture and toss gently once more for a fresh, zesty finish.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
Notes
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Keywords: Roasted Vegetable Orzo, Mediterranean pasta salad, roasted vegetables, orzo recipe, vegetarian pasta dish