Description
This Mediterranean Orzo and Beans recipe is a hearty, colorful one-pot dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavors together in a wholesome, plant-based meal. Perfect for a quick dinner, an easy lunch prep, or a healthy snack between meals, this easy recipe is packed with protein-rich beans, tender orzo pasta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh greens. It’s a go-to food idea for busy days, light dinners, or creative vegetarian meal planning.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup kidney beans, canned and drained
1/2 cup cannellini beans, canned and drained
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1 cup spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 cup of orzo until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 diced red onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add 1/2 cup diced carrots and cook for 4 minutes. Then stir in the cherry tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans.
4. Add the cooked orzo and 1 cup chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts.
5. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with parsley and optional feta. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
This recipe can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta.
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
For extra zest, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Mediterranean orzo, vegetarian orzo recipe, healthy pasta, orzo salad, easy dinner, meal prep