Roasted Vegetable Orzo (Printable)

Tender roasted vegetables with perfectly cooked orzo, fresh herbs, and tangy feta cheese.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Orzo

10 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
11 - 4 cups vegetable broth or water
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
03 - Spread vegetables on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
04 - Bring vegetable broth or water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add orzo and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, then toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
05 - In a large serving bowl, combine roasted vegetables and cooked orzo. Add feta, basil, parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted vegetables develop this incredible sweetness that you just cannot achieve any other way
  • Its one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day
  • The combination of tangy feta and bright lemon makes every bite feel like summer
02 -
  • Overcrowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to steamy soggy vegetables instead of roasted ones
  • The orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so it's best slightly undercooked when you drain it
03 -
  • Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to avoid stubborn roasted-on vegetable residue
  • Let the vegetables cool for about 5 minutes before tossing with the hot orzo to keep the feta from melting completely