Lemon-Basil Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Feta
A bright and fresh Mediterranean side dish combining tender orzo pasta, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and fragrant basil. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, divided olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 2 minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Step 3: While the orzo is still warm, stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss to combine and warm the garlic and lemon flavors.
- Step 4: Fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes along with their juices, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Mix gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Serve warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side dish or light lunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Basil Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Feta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Basil Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Feta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Basil Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Feta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Basil Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Feta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Basil Orzo with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Feta?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
