15 Inventive Plant-Based Orzo Recipes

February 29, 2024

Orzo is a great addition to the staples pantry as it works so well in soups and as a substitute for couscous or even rice. Traditionally used in Italian cooking for soups, it also shows up in Greek cuisine and has quickly made its way around the world.

Though not a grain in its own right, but rather a type of pasta, orzo works well in salads, or in any dish where you might find yourself reaching for the rice, quinoa, or couscous. It is great sprinkled in soups and gives them some bulk and bite.

Here are a few OGP articles that use Orzo in some delicious and creative ways.

We also highly recommend downloading the   — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy! And, don’t forget to check out our !

1. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Fresh Dill

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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Fresh Dill by Nichole Harju

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This by is made with fresh dill, crisp veggies, & a light dressing. Make this vegan recipe in 10 minutes for a healthy lunch.

2. Greek Spinach and Orzo Soup

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Greek Spinach and Orzo Soup by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez

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This healthy by is warm, and soothing, and makes a delicious dinner that is tangy and bursting with lemon flavor. It is pleasantly and lightly filling, and ideal for when you need a break from rich, hearty dishes and indulgent sweets. This colorful Mediterranean recipe is so simple to prepare

3. Toasted Orzo with Roasted Garlic and Asparagus

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Toasted Orzo with Roasted Garlic and Asparagus by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez

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There is something magical that happens when you toast orzo on a hot stove. Who would have thought that browning this cute, rice-shaped pasta in melted vegan butter would be the first step in preparing a simple dinner like this? You will love this by .

4. Tomato Orzo Risotto

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Tomato Orzo Risotto by Lenny Wu

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This by is an easy one-pot dish that you can make without the hassle of your typical rice-based risotto.

5. Broccoli and Olive Orzo Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

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Broccoli and Olive Orzo Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette by Alison Edmund

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This by is a great way to add some variety to your lunch or dinner routine – simple and delicious! Toss the pasta with a splash of olive oil after cooking so it won’t stick together, toss together all other ingredients, including your sauce and it’s the perfect lunch on the go!

6. Orzo Soup with White Bean Balls

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Orzo Soup with White Bean Balls by Wholesome LLC

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The bean balls in this soup are what make it! The soup itself has a delicious flavor, but the bean balls are what take the cake! This by is perfect for a chilly day and will impress anyone you serve it to!

7. White Bean and Orzo Minestrone

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White Bean and Orzo Minestrone by Adams Media

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Try making this simple by . It’s a delicious Italian staple that even your Nonna will be impressed by. Perfetto!

8. Orzo Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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Orzo Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Deena Mehta

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This is a hearty, comforting, and nourishing meal for all of your sweet potato and orzo needs! This recipe for by incorporates a variety of nuts and orange flavors to the orzo and some cranberries for color and vitamins. The cranberries make it exciting, and of course, the nuts give it texture and satisfying protein.

9. Spicy Black Bean and Orzo Chili

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Spicy Black Bean and Orzo Chili by Rene Barker

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Some would rather eat the same thing all week than have to think about what they’re bringing for lunch every day. If that’s you, this by is for you! This chili is packed with nutritious veggies and fiber-filled beans, PLUS orzo which makes this extra hearty and filling. Divide the finished product into individual containers for easy access to grab and go on busy mornings.

10. Green Spring Minestrone With Orzo and Asparagus

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Green Spring Minestrone With Orzo and Asparagus by Nadine Horn and Jörg Mayer

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This by is the perfect dish to enjoy on a cool spring evening. The light, lemony broth is poured over orzo and tender shoots of asparagus. This dish will quickly make its way onto your list of favorite recipes.

11. Kale and Orzo Soup With White Bean Balls

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Kale and Orzo Soup With White Bean Balls by Caitlin and Riley Gladney-Hatcher

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This by is warm, nourishing, and super nutritious! The soft and savory white bean balls give this dish some added protein to last through your day’s adventures. Enjoy it as is, or add rice or grains of your choice, for some added bulk.

12. Creamy Mushroom and Spinach ‘Orzotto’

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Creamy Mushroom and Spinach ‘Orzotto’ by Becky Cotter

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This by is great because you can make the sauce during the day and then all you need to do in the evening is cook the pasta and stir it in! Perfect for when you want a home-cooked meal that comes together quickly and tastes great.

13. Garlic Beet Greens

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Garlic Beet Greens by Elaine Lander

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This recipe by with orzo and cannellini beans is a staple for weeknight dinners. It makes a quick, easy, vegan-friendly dinner on a budget.

14. Miso Greens Soup

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Miso Greens Soup by Katie Koteen

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This by is a necessity during the holiday season—the perfect soothing meal for days you don’t feel like eating heavy foods. It’s ridiculously quick and easy to make. Keep in mind that boiling miso kills all the good digestive helpers it contains. For this reason, this soup doesn’t reheat that well, but the recipe halves easily if you want to avoid any waste.

15. Mediterranean Orzo Salad

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Mediterranean Orzo Salad by Dominique Ebra

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This by is a wonderful meal to make as a side dish or a great dish to share with friends!

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