Vegetarian Orzo with Lime

This bright and zesty dish is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed with fresh ingredients and a hint of lime, it’s a refreshing twist on a classic comfort food.

Start cooking ↓

TIME52 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups orzo pasta 1 zucchini, peeled and shredded 1 carrot, peeled and shredded 1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, undrained 1 (14 ounce) can vegetable broth 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves salt and black pepper to taste ¼ cup chopped green onions ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 2 teaspoons grated lime zest 2 tablespoons lime juice ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and orzo, stirring frequently until the pasta turns a nice golden color, which should take about 5 minutes. Toss in the zucchini and carrots, cooking them for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and basil, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Turn the heat down to medium, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer until most of the liquid is gone, roughly 10 minutes. Once the orzo is almost done, stir in the green onions, parsley, lime zest, and lime juice. Take the pan off the heat, let it cool just a bit, and finish by sprinkling with Parmesan before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the orzo before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Toast the orzo lightly in a dry pan before boiling to add a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright and tangy taste.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is bright and refreshing, combining the nutty flavor of orzo with zesty lime. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for warm days or as a quick weeknight dinner.

Serving ideas

Serve warm or chilled as a side dish or light main course. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables. Add a sprinkle of feta or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop more over time but add a little fresh lime juice before serving to brighten it up again. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.