Go Back
A close-up of a vibrant orzo pasta salad in a large speckled bowl, tossed with fresh herbs and colorful diced vegetables.

Lemon Herb Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A bright and zesty orzo side dish featuring tender pasta, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect for pairing with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Tomatoes
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
For the Orzo
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta
  • 3 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Dill chopped
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup Feta Cheese crumbled, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Pot
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly burst.
  2. While the tomatoes are roasting, bring the 3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  4. Once the orzo is cooked, remove it from the heat. Stir in the roasted cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh dill. Pour in the lemon-garlic dressing and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Season the orzo side dish with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with crumbled feta cheese before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This vibrant orzo side dish can also be prepared ahead of time and served chilled as a refreshing pasta salad. For an extra layer of flavor, you can toast the dry orzo in 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pot for 2-3 minutes before adding the broth, stirring constantly until lightly golden.