Can I make this with quinoa?

Sure! I think this works great with farro, quinoa, pearl couscous or even rice.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Some yummy alternatives to feta are parmesan cheese, marinated mozzarella balls or goat cheese.

How do I increase the protein?

Serve this alongside roasted or grilled salmon, chicken, lamb, steak or pork tenderloin. You could also add a can of white beans or garbanzo beans.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Lemon Orzo with Feta and roasted rainbow veggies

Name: Lemon Orzo with Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 large red onion, large dice; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 yellow squash, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 orange bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/3 cup fresh squeeze lemon juice; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!); 1/2lb orzo, uncooked; 1 cup fresh basil, chiffonade; 4 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts; 8oz block feta, cubed

Description

This vegetarian pasta dish is loaded with roasted veggies, fresh herbs and feta and a simple lemon dressing really makes it sing!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Veggies

1/2 large red onion, large dice
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Dressing

1/3 cup fresh squeeze lemon juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)

Assembly

1/2lb orzo, uncooked
1 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
4 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
8oz block feta, cubed

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Instructions

Veggies

Preheat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Drizzle veggies with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Use your hands to really get the veggies coated with oil and seasoning. Roast veggies for 25 minutes until crispy and golden brown around the edges.

Dressing

Whisk all dressing ingredients together. Season additionally with salt and pepper if needed.

Assembly

Toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes, careful not to burn! Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot. Toss several tablespoons of the dressing immediately with the hot pasta. Add the roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, chunks of feta and the rest of the dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve warm or room temperature. ENJOY!

Notes

Refer to above blog post for ingredient substitution ideas and answers to frequently asked questions.

Recipe slightly adapted from the queen herself!

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Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
Calories: 271
Sugar: 3.9 g
Sodium: 254 mg
Fat: 15.7 g
Carbohydrates: 26.6 g
Fiber: 2.1 g
Protein: 7.2 g
Cholesterol: 16.7 mg