Herbed Orzo with Pine Nuts
Elevate your side dishes with this vibrant Herbed Orzo with Pine Nuts recipe—an irresistible blend of tender orzo pasta, fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts. Perfectly seasoned with zesty lemon juice, a hint of garlic, and a drizzle of rich olive oil, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is both light and flavorful. The nutty crunch of golden pine nuts pairs beautifully with aromatic parsley and basil, creating a refreshing balance of textures and tastes. Quick and simple to prepare in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe works as a warm side, a make-ahead option for potlucks, or a room-temperature accompaniment for your favorite proteins. Bring a touch of elegance to your table with this herbed delight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes, until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
While the orzo cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain it well in a colander and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the warm orzo and toss to coat evenly.
Add the toasted pine nuts, parsley, basil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the orzo. Toss everything together until well combined.
Season with black pepper to taste. Add more salt if needed, adjusting to your preference.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional chopped herbs or pine nuts, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1206 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.8 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2395 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.4 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 30.3 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 141 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 317 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
