Description
This fresh Greek lemon orzo recipe brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen in a simple, healthy, and utterly satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or light summer evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) orzo
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup (200g) of orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the orzo cooks, dice the red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
- Use a zester to grate the lemon peel, then squeeze out the juice. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of zest and 1/4 cup (60ml) of juice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped vegetables, crumbled feta, and fresh oregano. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour to develop the flavors.
Notes
[‘Don’t overcook the orzo; it should be al dente.’, ‘Use fresh lemon for the best flavor.’, ‘Chill the dish for an hour to intensify the flavors.’, ‘Cook the orzo and chop the veggies ahead of time for convenience.’, ‘Feel free to experiment with herbs and proteins like dill, parsley, or grilled chicken.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Greek, Lemon Orzo, Healthy Dinner, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Easy Recipe