For years, I’ve bought snap peas, but we’ve always eaten them raw. I’ve never cooked them before now. I was so impressed with them in this dish. I had no idea what I was missing.
I’ll be making this repeatedly with all of our fresh vegetables. I loved the simple flavors here in the dish. It was very light and lemony and perfect for a summer night.
I added some diced chicken when I made this and it was a great one dish dinner. I can imagine making just the orzo with vegetables for a side dish or even a vegetarian dinner as well.
Lemon Orzo is also tasty with Red Peppers.
Lemon Orzo with Snap Peas and Zucchini
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo
- 16 ounces sugar snap peas ends trimmed and halved crosswise
- 2 small zucchini thinly sliced, approximately 1/8" thick
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese finely grated
- Kosher salt and fresh pepper
- Optional: 2 cups cooked chicken warmed
Instructions
- Prepare all of the vegetables prior to starting the orzo. Cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Add the peas and squash. Cook until the orzo is al dente and the vegetables are still crisp tender, about 3 minutes. The vegetables will continue to cook for a few minutes after they are removed from the water. Use care not to overcook them. Drain well and return to the pot. If you are adding chicken, do so now.
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil and cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
Velva says
Fresh, flavorful and healthy too. Awesome.
Velva
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
I love these light, fresh summer flavors – love snap peas!
Mary
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Oh yum – that does look so good! I am obsessed with lemon these days – just can't get enough on or in anything!
Anonymous says
If you need to eat gluten free, quinoa works just fine instead of the orzo.