Dive into a vibrant bowl of Greek Style Orzo that’s bursting with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and colorful toppings like juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and crisp cucumbers. This one-pan wonder is a crowd favorite that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it warm as a hearty side dish alongside Greek Chicken Meatballs or enjoy it cold as a refreshing Greek Orzo Salad. Whichever way you choose, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

What is in Greek Style Orzo?

Orzo, often called “risoni,” is a delightful pasta shaped like large grains of rice. Made from high-quality semolina flour derived from durum wheat, it’s a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This versatile pasta shines in various dishes, from comforting soups to hearty casseroles and vibrant salads. So, what makes this Greek Style Orzo special?

Broth: I used savory chicken broth for a rich flavor, but a robust vegetable broth would work beautifully as well. Avoid using plain water, as it won’t provide the depth of flavor that broth offers. Plus, broth is packed with collagen, adding nutritional benefits!
Fresh Herbs: Aromatic basil, thyme, and oregano elevate the dish with their fragrant notes.
Kalamata Olives: These briny beauties add a burst of flavor and healthy fats.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy feta brings a delightful richness to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they provide a pop of color and flavor.
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, diced cucumber adds a crunchy texture.

How is Greek Style Orzo Made?

Brown the Orzo: Browning orzo is a simple technique that enhances its flavor and texture. By toasting the orzo in a bit of olive oil or butter before cooking, you achieve a nutty, richer flavor and a firmer texture. This process also gives the orzo a beautiful golden-brown color that adds visual appeal. To brown the orzo, simply heat oil or butter in a large skillet, add the orzo, and stir frequently until it turns golden brown.
Cook the Orzo: Next, add 2 cups of your chosen broth for every 1 cup of orzo pasta to the same skillet. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
Add Toppings: Once the orzo is cooked to perfection, stir in crumbled feta cheese, a handful of fresh herbs, sliced Kalamata olives (if desired), minced cucumber, and quartered cherry tomatoes. For an extra zing, drizzle with fresh lemon juice or olive oil before serving!

Georgie’s Pro Tips for the Best Greek Style Orzo

Customize It: Feel free to mix in additional ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or grilled chicken for added protein and flavor.
Make It Ahead: This orzo salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or picnics.
Perfect Pairings: Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired buffet with hummus and pita bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Greek Orzo Salad can be made ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served chilled or at room temperature.

To enhance your Greek Style Orzo, consider adding ingredients like roasted red peppers, grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, or even avocado. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the flavor profile.

Traditional orzo pasta is made from wheat and is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute it with gluten-free orzo or use quinoa, which adds a nutty flavor and is a great source of protein.

You can boost the nutrition of Greek Style Orzo by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Incorporating legumes like chickpeas or lentils will also enhance the protein content while keeping the dish hearty and filling.

Store leftover Greek Style Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens, you can add a splash of broth or olive oil to loosen it up before serving.

Orzo is a great source of carbohydrates and provides energy for your body. It’s also low in fat and can be a good source of protein when paired with ingredients like beans or cheese. Plus, adding fresh vegetables and herbs enhances its vitamin and antioxidant content, making it a nutritious choice!

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Greek Style Orzo

Greek Style Orzo is a hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and colorful toppings like tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers.

5 from 1 vote

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings servings

Calories 196 kcal

Ingredients

2 tbsp Butter
2 cups Dried Orzo
4 cups Chicken Broth
2 tbsp Lemon Juice (1 lemon worth)
1 tbsp Fresh Thyme
1 tbsp Fresh Oregano
1 tbsp Fresh Basil
½ cup Kalamata Olives (halved or sliced)
½ cup Feta Cheese
½ cup Cherry Tomatoes (quartered)
½ cup Cucumber (chopped small)

Instructions

Melt 2 tbsp Butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add 2 cups Dried Orzo and give it a good stir, coating it in the butter. Cook, stirring often, until the orzo is golden brown.
Add 4 cups Chicken Broth and 2 tbsp Lemon Juice to the Orzo. Bring this to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Add 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme, 1 tbsp Fresh Oregano, 1 tbsp Fresh Basil, ½ cup Kalamata Olives, ½ cup Feta Cheese, ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes and ½ cup Cucumber. Stir to combine and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal

cuisine mediterranean, greek food cuisine, greek inspired, greek salad dishes, mediterranean food, orzo recipes, orzo salad recipe

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