Orzo And Vegetables
A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender orzo, fresh broccoli, marinated artichokes, olives, tomatoes, chicken, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for a light, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo ⓘ
- 4 cups cut up broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped drained marinated artichoke hearts ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can ripe olives drained and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 2 scallions chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook orzo over medium-high heat for 6 minutes.
- Add broccoli to the pot and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until tender.
- Drain well and return to the pot.
- Add artichoke hearts, olives, tomatoes, scallions, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic salt, pepper, and cooked chicken to the pot.
- Toss well to combine and serve immediately on mixed salad greens.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some feta cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or beans for protein. For a different twist, you can substitute quinoa for orzo for a gluten-free option. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant orzo and vegetable dish on a bed of mixed salad greens for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp, making it a versatile side for summer barbecues. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of garlic bread or a light Mediterranean salad, which complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent sticking. If the dish seems dry, you can add a little olive oil or broth to restore moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orzo And Vegetables contains roughly 638 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding or substituting your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can work well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for any harder vegetables, ensuring they become tender.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This orzo and vegetable dish is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and can be easily portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat as needed and enjoy the convenience of a nutritious meal ready to go.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the chicken and replacing it with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. Additionally, ensure that the artichoke hearts and olives are vegan-friendly, and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).