Red Onion Mint Orzo / Mia / Katie Workman / themom100.com

This Red Onion Mint Orzo is one of those super simple sides that is bright and flavorful and goes with most everything. It’s great served alongside a roasted leg of lamb, like Slow Cooked Mediterranean Leg of Lamb with Tzatziki  or Herbed Boneless Leg of Lamb with Mustard Crust.

Best orzo side dish / Mia / Katie Workman / themom100.com

This Red Onion Mint Orzo is a simple side that is bright, versatile, flavorful, and goes with most everything. Make ahead or serve at room temperature.

Tweet This

Or perfect next to Greek Roasted Chicken Breasts.

Greek Roasted Chicken Thighs / Cheyenne Cohen / Katie Workman / themom100.com

You can switch up the herbs like crazy. Make it with basil and serve it with Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lime, Roasted Garlic and Fresh Herb Marinade. Try oregano and match it up with Pan Seared Pork Chops with Madeira and Leek Cream Sauce. Tarragon, thyme, cilantro…just start with a slightly smaller amount of the chopped herb and add more as you like. Lime can also be used in place of the lemon.

Red Onion Mint Orzo / Mia / Katie Workman / themom100.com

This little side also illustrated one of the great truisms of cooking – when in doubt, add some red onion.  A little onion is great in almost every savory dish (or shallot or leek or…..), but a red onion adds color as well as flavor.  A little burst of colorful spicy freshness.  But sure, regular onion is just fine, and scallions are also a nice burst of green color.

This can be made up to a day ahead of time, and served at room temperature.  If you want to serve it warm, you can make the orzo ahead, then warm it in the microwave and add the other ingredients.

Red Onion Mint Orzo / Mia / Katie Workman / themom100.com

A great potluck offering, too, and because it’s so portable, this is a dish to remember next time you pack a picnic.  You could also add cubes of cooked chicken or pork, or shrimp.  Or hunks of flaked cooked salmon would make this into a terrific salad.

Other Orzo Recipes to Try:

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board on Pinterest.

Pin This

Red Onion Mint Orzo

One of those simple perfect sides that goes with everything.
Yield: 8 People
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound orzo
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely diced red onion
  • Juice and finely grated zest of 2 lemons
  • ½ cup chopped fresh mint
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

  • Cook the orzo according to package directions and drain.
  • Place the orzo in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, onion, lemon juice and zest, mint, and salt and pepper. Toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 347kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 209mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutrition values are provided as an estimate. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

Made this recipe? Post a photo of your delicious creation on Instagram with our hashtag #dinnersolved

Rate & Comment

Recipe Rating