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Fresh Lemon Herb Orzo Recipe Easy Grilled Vegetables and Goat Cheese Bowl

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A bright and satisfying bowl featuring lemony orzo pasta, smoky grilled vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy goat cheese. Perfect for quick, fuss-free summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 170g)
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (optional)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 115g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Water or vegetable broth for cooking orzo

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into grill-friendly pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let sit about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the orzo: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and return to pot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and stir gently.
  3. Grill the vegetables: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Arrange veggies in a single layer and grill 3-4 minutes per side until tender and charred. Grill cherry tomatoes in a basket or on skewers.
  4. Mix lemon and herbs: In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, zest, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine.
  5. Toss orzo with lemon herb dressing: Add warm orzo to lemon herb mixture and toss gently to coat.
  6. Add grilled vegetables: Fold in grilled zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Finish with goat cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top and gently stir to combine, allowing some cheese to melt slightly.
  8. Serve immediately warm or at room temperature.

Notes

If orzo is sticky, toss with a splash of olive oil or fork to separate. Do not overcrowd grill pan to ensure proper searing. Use broth instead of water for more flavor. Crumble goat cheese by hand for better texture. Store grilled vegetables and orzo separately if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb orzo, grilled vegetables, goat cheese, easy summer recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian, healthy pasta bowl

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/fresh-lemon-herb-orzo-recipe-easy-grilled-vegetables-and-goat-cheese-bowl/