Description
This Roasted Tomato Basil and Feta Orzo is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. Roasted cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, complementing the salty feta, fresh herbs, and al dente orzo.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 1/2 cloves garlic, smashed and skin removed
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 teaspoons honey
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 ounces prosciutto, torn (optional)
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 of a small shallot, grated
- Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs, such as dill and chives
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup toasted nuts/seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roast Tomatoes: In a roasting pan, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, chili powder, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst. Finely chop the roasted garlic.
- Crisp Prosciutto: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the torn prosciutto in an even layer. Bake for 5-8 minutes, until the prosciutto is crisp.
- Cook Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the orzo until al dente. Drain.
- Assemble Orzo Salad: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 4 tablespoons olive oil, red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, the grated shallot, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the hot orzo and fresh herbs, toss to combine. Add the roasted tomatoes, chopped roasted garlic, and any juices left in the pan, the crumbled feta, and toasted nuts/seeds, gently toss. Top with the crispy prosciutto. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the prosciutto.
- You can use other small pasta shapes if you don’t have orzo.
- Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fresh herbs.
- Toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds make great additions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
