Orzo Soup Recipe Vegetarian: Easy, Hearty & Delicious

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade soup, and this vegetarian orzo soup is the kind of recipe you’ll want to turn to again and again. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and a fragrant broth, it’s hearty enough for a main course yet light enough to enjoy year-round.

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility—swap in your favorite seasonal veggies, stir in some leafy greens, or add a swirl of lemon for brightness.

Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or prepping lunch ahead of time, this orzo soup delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed diets. Let’s dive in and create a nourishing meal that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes and uses one pot for easy cleanup.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein-rich orzo.
• Versatile: Easily adapt to whatever veggies you have on hand or seasonal produce.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that even picky eaters enjoy.
• Perfect for All Diets: Naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan or gluten-free.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes with maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or microplane (for lemon zest)
• Small bowl (for prepping garnishes, optional)

Instructions

1. Prep your vegetables: Wash and dice the onions, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini. Mince the garlic. Roughly chop the spinach and parsley. Zest and juice the lemon.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.
3. Add garlic and bell pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
4. Add zucchini and seasonings: Add the diced zucchini, dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf (if using). Stir to combine and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
6. Bring to a simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
7. Add the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Add spinach and lemon: Stir in the chopped spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the spinach wilts.
9. Season and finish: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf if used. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
10. Serve: Enjoy warm, ideally with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

    For the best texture, cook the orzo just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid even after the soup is off the heat.

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: This orzo soup is naturally vegan! Just double-check your vegetable broth and orzo to ensure they’re free from animal products.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute your favorite gluten-free orzo or small pasta shape.
• Add more protein: Stir in a can of drained chickpeas or white beans for extra heartiness.
• Switch up the greens: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or baby arugula.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Use seasonal veggies: Try adding peas in spring, sweet potato or butternut squash in fall, or even corn in summer.
• Meal prep tip: If you plan to store leftovers, you may want to cook the orzo separately and add it to individual servings to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
• Brighten it up: Always finish with lemon juice and zest for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Related recipes:
  • Try these Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for even more veggie inspiration!
  • Craving another cozy soup? Don’t miss our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
  • For a homemade bread pairing, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty sourdough, a whole-grain roll, or homemade focaccia. For a homemade option, try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
• Fresh salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Top with pesto or dairy-free parmesan: A dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it a meal: Add a side of roasted vegetables or a light sandwich for a more filling lunch or dinner.
• For a Mediterranean twist: Garnish with olives, crumbled feta (if not vegan), and a drizzle of good olive oil.
• Soup and dessert: Finish your meal with a sweet treat like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian orzo soup at home is a rewarding and nourishing experience. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave a bowl of cozy, veggie-packed goodness.

The combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tender orzo creates a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and crowd-pleasing.

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Mix and match veggies, experiment with broths, or stir in your favorite protein for a new twist each time.

With its simplicity and flexibility, vegetarian orzo soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. If you loved this recipe, explore more at GluttonLV—like our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or hearty Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy cooking and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

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