~Lemon Orzo with Pine Nuts~

This is one of my favorite side dishes.  It’s quick and easy, healthy and goes with just about any entree.   It’s light, super flavorful and the looks pretty fancy 🙂

My kids don’t love it too lemony, so sometimes I only zest one lemon. Personally for me, the more lemon the better. The toasted pine nuts add a great crunchy texture.  Jeez, whenever I make this I always remember how much I LOVE pine nuts.  Especially toasted pine nuts.  But I digress….

Ok, now on to the recipe.  Check out how EASY this is….

Lemon Orzo

Ingredients

1 box of orzo

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

2 lemons, zested

juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup of fresh parsley

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts

salt and pepper

1 tablespoon parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook orzo in salted water according to package.
2. Drain well. Do not run under water.
3. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and grapeseed oil.
4. Transfer orzo to serving bowl, add garlic, drizzle with oil and lemon juice and season with salt & pepper.
5. Add lemon zest, pine nuts and parsley and toss.  Top with parmesan cheese if desired.  Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size 1 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 211    Calories from Fat 39
Total Fat 4.4g
Cholesterol 1mg
Sodium 14mg
Total Carbohydrates 35.8g
Dietary Fiber 1.9g
Sugars 2.6g
Protein 6.5g

*Nutritional information provided by www.caloriecount.com, not 100% guaranteed accurate