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.

Wishbone Kitchen

Lemon Arugula Orzo

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?

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!