Vegetable Orzo Soup Mediterranean

This vegetable orzo soup brims with the bold colors and flavors of the Mediterranean and is my go to when I want something light yet soul warming for lunch or dinner The mix of fresh vegetables with orzo pasta creates a hearty one pot meal that feels special but comes together with basics you already have on hand

The first time I cooked this soup it was a chilly Sunday and I had a basket of leftover veggies to use up Now it is my reset meal I pull out whenever I need to feel nourished without fuss

Ingredients

• Olive oil: lends a fruity richness and helps build the flavor base Look for extra virgin for the best depth
• Onion: diced for sweetness and body Choose firm onions for best texture
• Carrots and celery: not just for aroma but for their classic soup savor Go for crisp carrots and celery with a bright color
• Zucchini: brings delicate flavor and softness Pick small firm zucchini without blemishes
• Red bell pepper: adds sweetness and color Opt for glossy deep red peppers
• Garlic: a little goes a long way for that aromatic lift Fresh and plump cloves work best
• Baby spinach: for a final boost of color and nutrients Fresh bright leaves will wilt perfectly in the hot broth
• Vegetable broth: provides a savory backbone Use low sodium if you want to control seasoning
• Canned diced tomatoes: add tang and body to the soup Choose brands with only tomatoes and a little salt
• Orzo pasta: gives heartiness and tender texture Choose good quality orzo made from durum wheat or swap for your favorite small pasta
• Dried oregano basil and thyme: infuse classic Mediterranean flavors Check your dried herbs for color and aroma fresher is always better
• Salt and black pepper: to taste for savoriness and gentle heat Use freshly ground pepper for best results
• Fresh parsley: to garnish for color and freshness Flat leaf or Italian parsley offers the best flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a salty savory finish Look for Parmigiano Reggiano if going the extra mile or skip for a dairy free version

Instructions

Start the Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat Add onions carrots and celery and cook gently for five minutes Stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent This creates a sweet and aromatic base for the entire soup

Build the Vegetable Layer:

Mix in diced zucchini red bell pepper and garlic Stir well and let them cook for another three minutes This softens the veggies and lets their flavors bloom while garlic infuses the pot

Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes:

Pour in the vegetable broth and add in the canned diced tomatoes together with oregano basil and thyme Turn the heat up until the soup reaches a gentle boil This step gets all those comforting flavors mingling

Cook the Orzo and Tender Veggies:

Stir in the orzo pasta Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook uncovered for about ten to twelve minutes The orzo will swell and vegetables will turn meltingly tender Stir a couple of times so the orzo does not stick to the pot

Finish With Spinach and Seasoning:

Add the roughly chopped baby spinach Stir through and cook for about two more minutes until it has wilted Taste and add salt and black pepper until the broth tastes balanced and well seasoned

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls Scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top and finish with a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano if you like Serve right away while it is steaming and vibrant

Save

I always toss in an extra handful of spinach because my family cannot resist those silky blooms of green I remember serving this to my kids after their first soccer practice their smiles said it all

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Keep leftovers in a container with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to four days The orzo will soak up some broth so add a splash of water or more broth before reheating If freezing cook the soup up to the point before adding orzo and spinach Cool freeze then finish with fresh orzo and spinach after thawing

Ingredient Swaps and Modifications

Make it gluten free by swapping in a short gluten free pasta or rice For an even heartier version stir in cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas Just want extra vegetables Add what you have on hand from peas to green beans or replace the zucchini with yellow squash

Serving Suggestions

This soup works well on its own or alongside a simple arugula salad and crusty bread Squeeze a wedge of lemon over each bowl for a pop of brightness or spice it up with a pinch of red chili flakes Leftover soup also travels well in a thermos for a satisfying lunch

Mediterranean Traditions

Soups like this vegetable and pasta medley are a Mediterranean staple since they showcase the best ingredients each season brings The orzo hints at Italian influences while the use of aromatic herbs connects it to Greek and Turkish kitchens Enjoying this style of soup always brings me back to leisurely family dinners where everyone scoops from the communal pot

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in butternut squash or sweet potato for a winter version Add fresh corn or green beans when they are in season Use kale or chard in place of spinach for an earthier flavor

Success Stories

I have shared this recipe with neighbors and it quickly became their weeknight fallback too It also turned out to be the star of our last family picnic since it tastes just as delicious at room temperature

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze for later prepare the soup base including the veggies broth tomatoes and herbs but hold off on the orzo and spinach Freeze in portions and add pasta and greens after reheating for the best texture

Save

This soup is nourishing any time of year and perfect for a quick filling meal Enjoy every warming spoonful and let the fresh flavors shine with each batch you make

Recipe Questions

→ What vegetables work best for this bowl?

Use carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, bell pepper, garlic, and spinach as listed, but other seasonal vegetables like green beans or squash also work well.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice to make the dish gluten-free without losing texture or flavor.

→ How do I boost the protein content?

Add cooked white beans with the broth for extra plant-based protein, making the dish heartier and more satisfying.

→ Is dairy required?

Dairy is optional; garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired, or omit for a dairy-free preparation. Fresh herbs add plenty of flavor on their own.

→ How long does it take to prepare?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, followed by 25 minutes of cooking, so you’ll have a nourishing bowl ready in about 40 minutes.

→ What herbs give extra flavor?

Dried oregano, basil, and thyme create Mediterranean aromas, while a squeeze of lemon before serving adds brightness.