This recipe features cooked orzo pasta tossed with an assortment of oven-roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, red onions, and eggplant. The salad is dressed with a lemony vinaigrette and finished with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, along with salty feta cheese for a tangy finish. It’s balanced, refreshing, and loaded with texture and color.
1½ cups orzo pasta
1 small eggplant, unpeeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup olive oil (plus extra for roasting)
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 scallions, chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Optional: pine nuts or olives for garnish
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place eggplant, bell peppers, and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add the roasted vegetables to the warm orzo. Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
Mix in chopped scallions, basil, parsley, and crumbled feta. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately while slightly warm, or chill in the fridge and serve cold.
Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/orzo-with-roasted-vegetables/