By Meredith Hayden
Sides

Lemon Arugula Orzo

May 21, 2024

Everyone’s favorite low-maintenance summer side dish. I intentionally made this recipe with only 4 ingredients because summer is about being as unfussy as possible. Less time in the kitchen = more time sitting in the sun drinking wine.

This side is extremely versatile in that it’s relatively neutral in flavor, so it will pair well with whatever main you decide on. It’s also endlessly riffable, easily adapting to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here, I’ve added a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, but you could also add feta or goat cheese. Or go crazy and toss in some castelvetrano olives, capers, fresh herbs, or tomatoes. You can swap olive oil for butter, lemon juice for vinegar, arugula for spinach. The world is your o(rzo)yster.

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Lemon Arugula Orzo

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Ingredients

1 cup orzo

1 bag arugula, about 4-6 cups

1-2 lemons

extra virgin olive oil

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Fill a medium pot with water and season with 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil, add the orzo, and cook for about 10 minutes. While the orzo cooks, finely chop the arugula and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Drain the orzo and transfer into the mixing bowl along with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the zest and juice of one lemon, 1/4 tsp of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix to combine. Taste and add additional olive oil, lemon, salt and or pepper if desired.   I finished mine with freshly grated parmesan, but that's optional! Feel free to customize however you like.

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What do you think of this recipe?

Loved this — delicious and super easy! I had a yellow pepper that I finely chopped — it added a nice crunch! I will definitely add this to my side rotation.

i’ve made this four times for my work lunch and it hits every time! tastes great warm or cold.

My granddaughter made it for her graduation party. I loved it and made it for myself. This is a keeper…

This was the perfect, light, goes with everything side dish! I love that the arugula was finely chopped to incorporate well with the small pasta shape. This will be a repeat for sure!! Love anything and everything Wishbone Kitchen!

Currently suffering with Covid and watching my two toddler boys solo this weekend but managed enough energy to make this (thanks for this simple, effortless recipe!). It’s tasty and bright! Perfect summer side dish.

The perfect summer side. Light, bright, and extremely easy to make. Thank you for sharing!

Made this for lunch after seeing you post this on Insta today! Added parsley and red pepper flakes to mine. Easy and delicious!

Could I make this in advance for a weekend away with friends? Would you recommend tossing the orzo, arugula and olive oil and then finishing the rest right before serving? Thank you!