Lemon Herb Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
Bright, herby orzo pasta studded with Mediterranean roasted vegetables
By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 10, 2026
Orzo recipe searches have spiked 1,500% in just the past week, making this rice-shaped pasta one of the hottest ingredients on Pinterest right now. This lemon herb version with roasted Mediterranean vegetables is the perfect recipe to ride the trend.
Tender orzo is tossed with olive oil, bright lemon juice, and fresh herbs, then studded with sweet roasted zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta. It's a dish that works beautifully warm, at room temperature, or straight from the fridge.
This is the ideal dish for meal prep, potlucks, and summer gatherings. It's vegetarian, endlessly customizable, and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier main.
Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- 2
Meanwhile, cook orzo in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cool water, and transfer to a large bowl.
- 3
While orzo is warm, toss with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- 4
Add the roasted vegetables to the orzo and toss gently to combine.
- 5
Fold in fresh basil, parsley, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta.
- 6
Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving.
