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As the days grow longer and the air fills with the sounds of chirping birds and blooming flowers, it’s the perfect time to refresh your palate with vibrant, seasonal dishes. Our Zesty Springtime Orzo Delight embodies the essence of spring, combining the tender chew of orzo pasta with the bright flavors of fresh vegetables, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs. This delightful dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or light lunches.

Lemony Orzo with Spring Vegetables

Get ready to embrace the flavors of spring with our Zesty Springtime Orzo Delight! This colorful dish combines tender orzo pasta with fresh seasonal vegetables, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs, creating a delightful and nutritious meal. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for family dinners or light lunches. Discover the origins of orzo, its nutritional benefits, and enjoy tips for customizing this vibrant recipe to suit your taste. Celebrate springtime cooking with this delicious dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Vegetables: Toss in the asparagus and snap peas, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Then, mix in the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Stir in the cooked orzo, making sure everything is well combined. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.

          Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon zest and parsley if you like.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4