Greek Style Lemony Rice and Orzo Pilaf with Feta

Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and aromatic Greek Style Lemony Rice and Orzo Pilaf with Feta! This Mediterranean-inspired side dish combines fluffy long-grain rice and toasted orzo pasta, simmered to perfection in a zesty blend of lemon juice, lemon zest, and your choice of chicken or vegetable broth. Infused with garlic and topped with creamy crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and dill, this pilaf is bursting with refreshing citrus and herbaceous notes. Perfect as a standalone vegetarian meal or an elegant complement to grilled chicken, seafood, or lamb, this recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and guaranteed to elevate your dinner table. Ideal for fans of simple yet flavorful Greek cuisine, this dish delivers comforting textures and bold flavors in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cups orzo pasta
• 1 cups long-grain white rice
• 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons pepper
• 0.5 cups feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the orzo and toast it, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rice and stir to coat it with the oil and combined ingredients.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice and orzo are tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Fluff the pilaf with a fork and gently stir in the crumbled feta, parsley, and dill.

Step 9

Serve warm, garnished with additional feta and herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1114.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1251.0

Total Fat 57.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 100mg	0%
Sodium 4603.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.1g	0%
Total Sugars 6.5g
Protein 39.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 664.4mg	0%
Iron 8.0mg	0%
Potassium 416.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 46.1%