Description
This light and refreshing Summery Orzo Soup combines fresh vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and a bright lemon finish for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for warm weather. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s a nourishing vegetarian soup ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
Seasonings & Extras
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and More Veggies: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Then add the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2–3 minutes to soften.
- Cook Orzo in Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Finish with Greens and Herbs: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, lemon juice, and fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld. Serve the soup warm, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Add cooked shredded chicken or white beans for an extra boost of protein.
- This soup can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for spring and summer meals.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
- To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
