Busy weeknights often call for meals that are simple, nourishing, and quick to prepare. That’s where Mediterranean Orzo Vegetable Soup truly shines. This light yet satisfying soup brings together fresh vegetables, tender orzo pasta, and classic Mediterranean flavors in a single pot, making it a perfect choice for home cooks who want comfort without heaviness.
Made easily in an Instant Pot, this soup is designed for flexibility. You can swap vegetables based on what you have on hand, adjust seasoning to your taste, and still end up with a warm, flavorful meal that feels both wholesome and comforting.
If you’re looking for a plant-forward dinner that comes together quickly and tastes even better the next day, this Mediterranean-inspired soup deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Why Mediterranean Orzo Vegetable Soup Is So Popular
Mediterranean-style recipes are known for their balance, freshness, and simplicity. This soup reflects all of those qualities. It relies on everyday ingredients like olive oil, garlic, vegetables, and herbs to create a dish that feels nourishing without being complicated.
What makes Mediterranean Orzo Vegetable Soup especially appealing to American home cooks is its versatility. It works well as a light dinner, a hearty lunch, or even a meal-prep option for the week. The flavors are mild yet satisfying, making it family-friendly while still interesting enough for adults.
A Perfect Soup for Busy Weeknights
One of the biggest advantages of this soup is how quickly it comes together. Using an Instant Pot means you can sauté, pressure cook, and finish everything in one appliance. That translates to less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
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The orzo cooks directly in the broth, absorbing flavor while adding just enough heartiness to make the soup filling. Combined with vegetables like zucchini, squash, carrots, and green beans, this soup strikes a balance between light and comforting.
Flexible Ingredients That Work With What You Have
This Mediterranean Orzo Vegetable Soup is incredibly forgiving. If you don’t have one vegetable, you can easily substitute another. Bell peppers, celery, peas, or even chickpeas can work well here. The base flavors of olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and broth bring everything together.
Spinach is added at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant, while a splash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish. Greek seasoning adds that unmistakable Mediterranean flavor without overpowering the vegetables.
Mediterranean Orzo Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add olive oil and let it heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and slightly translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing it to lightly toast.
- Turn off the Sauté function. Pour in the vegetable broth and gently stir to combine.
- Add the zucchini, summer squash, carrots, and green beans. Do not stir after adding the vegetables.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes evenly over the top without stirring.
- Close and lock the Instant Pot lid. Set to High Pressure and cook for 2 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to build naturally, then carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method.
- Open the lid and stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Add garlic granules, Greek seasoning, and lemon juice if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir well and serve warm.
Notes
- You can easily swap vegetables based on availability, such as bell peppers, celery, peas, or chickpeas.
- For a richer flavor, use a good-quality vegetable broth with low sodium.
- Orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so add a little extra broth when reheating leftovers.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the Mediterranean flavors but is optional.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, stir in additional warm broth before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 113
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 774mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 99mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Potassium: 700mg
Why This Soup Fits a Healthy Lifestyle
Mediterranean Orzo Vegetable Soup is naturally rich in vegetables, fiber, and plant-based nutrients. Olive oil provides healthy fats, while vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals without adding heaviness.
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The orzo adds just enough carbohydrates to make the soup satisfying without feeling dense. Because the recipe avoids cream or cheese, it stays light and refreshing while still comforting.
Serving and Storage Tips
This soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If reheating, you may want to add a splash of broth or water, as the orzo continues to absorb liquid over time.