Spinach Orzo Primavera – a quick, healthy side dish is as simple as tossing some sautéed vegetables with some cooked orzo. A side in no time.
Sometimes a quick side dish is as simple as tossing some sauteed vegetables with some cooked orzo like in this super east Spinach Orzo Primavera. You can use practically any veggies you like to make any number of variations on this simple side dish idea. Use it as a simple side dish for herb and garlic grilled chicken, pork chops or even grilled fish. Marinate steaks in garlic and a little balsamic vinegar before grilling and this recipe makes an ideal side dish for a steak dinner too. All on its own, it could make a very satisfying and quick vegetarian lunch as well.
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ medium red onion julienned
- ½ medium red pepper julienned
- 2 cups chopped raw spinach
- 1 large tomato diced
- Salt and pepper to season
- 1 tsp lemon zest finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped basil
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Cook the orzo to al dente, about 9 minutes in salted boiling water. Strain in a colander.
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Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. Stir fry the onions and garlic for a minute or two. Add the red peppers and stir fry for an additional minute.
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Throw in the cooked orzo, raw spinach, tomatoes, lemon zest and basil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan.