Lemon Orzo Pilaf

Brighten up your table with this Lemon Orzo Pilaf, a quick and easy side dish bursting with bold, zesty flavors! This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines the silky, toasted grains of orzo pasta with aromatic garlic and onion, all simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth. A finishing touch of vibrant lemon zest and fresh lemon juice elevates the dish with a tangy freshness, while a hint of butter adds a luscious, creamy texture. Enhanced by fresh parsley—and optional dill for an herby twist—this versatile pilaf is perfect as a complement to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone light meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an effortlessly elegant dish that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing. Perfect for meal preps, weeknight dinners, or dinner parties!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped Yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 2 cups Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (or to taste) Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional) Fresh dill

Directions

Step 1

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan and toast it by stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes, until it turns golden brown.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stir to combine, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the orzo simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until well combined.

Step 8

Season the pilaf with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Gently fold in the chopped parsley and dill, if using.

Step 10

Serve the Lemon Orzo Pilaf warm as a side dish or light meal. Garnish with extra herbs, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(883.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1166.7

Total Fat 44.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 32.9mg	0%
Sodium 2985.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 10.3g
Protein 30.2g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 106.5mg	0%
Iron 8.5mg	0%
Potassium 481.4mg	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: 33.5%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 56.4%