Description
Make this Zesty Lemon Garlic Orzo for a bright, light, and refreshing side dish. It is simple to prepare and brings a wonderful tang to any meal, perfect for a fresh feeling even in cooler months.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- While the orzo cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about one minute until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sautéed garlic and oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra brightness, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can toast the dry orzo lightly in the oil before boiling for a nuttier flavor.
- Taste and adjust the lemon juice if you prefer it tangier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg