Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious Mediterranean meal? This Greek Orzo with Tomatoes, Feta, Olives, and Fresh Basil is the perfect dish! Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this meal is packed with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and wholesome goodness.
Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, provides the perfect texture, while juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives bring a bold Mediterranean twist. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pan, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
It’s also a versatile recipe—you can customize it with your favorite protein, veggies, or additional Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re feeding the family, meal-prepping, or simply craving a light yet satisfying meal, this Greek Orzo is bound to become a new favorite! 🇬🇷✨
🔹 Prep & Cooking Details:
- ⏳ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
- ⏱️ Total Time: 25 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 4 people
- 🔥 Calories per serving: 545 kcal
🔹 Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes (red and yellow), sliced in half
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, sliced
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled or diced into small cubes
- 3 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
🔹 Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
1️⃣ In a large, high-sided skillet, combine the orzo and chicken stock (or vegetable stock/water). 2️⃣ Bring to a brief boil, then reduce to a visible simmer. 3️⃣ Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. 4️⃣ Once the liquid is fully absorbed and the orzo is tender, it’s ready. If needed, add a little more water to prevent it from drying out.
Step 2: Add the Mediterranean Flavors
5️⃣ Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and green olives. 6️⃣ Add crumbled or cubed feta cheese, reserving about ¼ cup for garnishing later.
Step 3: Add Seasoning & Finish Cooking
7️⃣ Drizzle in lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. 8️⃣ Stir everything together and let it cook for 1-2 more minutes on low heat to blend the flavors. 9️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
🔟 Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil and the remaining feta cheese. 🍽️ Serve warm and enjoy this Mediterranean masterpiece!
✨ Pro Tips:
✔️ Use high-quality feta cheese – Authentic Greek feta adds creaminess and tangy flavor. ✔️ Don’t overcook the orzo – It should be soft but not mushy. ✔️ Want more protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra heartiness. ✔️ Customize it! Try adding roasted red peppers, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts. ✔️ Make it dairy-free – Swap feta for vegan feta or nutritional yeast. ✔️ Meal prep friendly – Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔹 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):
- 🔥 Calories: 545 kcal
- 🧈 Fat: 26g
- 🧂 Sodium: 1069mg
- 🍅 Carbohydrates: 59g
- 🥩 Protein: 20g
- 🥬 Fiber: 4g
- 🍋 Vitamin C: 25%
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes using just one pan. ✔ Healthy & Nutrient-Packed – Full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. ✔ Versatile & Customizable – Works as a side dish or a main course. ✔ Crowd-Pleasing & Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the bold Mediterranean flavors. ✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes great the next day! ✔ Light Yet Satisfying – A perfect balance of flavor, texture, and freshness.
🔹 Storage & Reheating
How to Store Leftovers:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended as the texture of the orzo can become mushy.
How to Reheat:
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the texture.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Yes! Whole wheat orzo adds extra fiber and nutrients while keeping the dish just as delicious.
2. What proteins pair well with Greek Orzo?
Try grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even lamb to complement the Mediterranean flavors.
3. Can I serve this dish cold?
Absolutely! This makes a great cold pasta salad—just refrigerate and serve chilled.
4. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and swap feta for vegan feta or tofu crumbles.
5. What’s the best olive oil for this recipe?
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor!
🔹 Final Thoughts
This Greek Orzo is the ultimate quick, easy, and flavorful Mediterranean dish. Whether you serve it as a main meal or a side dish, it’s packed with bright, fresh flavors, creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives—a true taste of Greece! 🇬🇷
It’s also a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup while still delivering a nutritious and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it a great option for families, vegetarians, and meal preppers alike.
If you’re looking for a wholesome, feel-good dish that’s simple yet packed with bold flavors, give this Greek Orzo a try! Enjoy your taste of the Mediterranean!
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🇬🇷 Greek Orzo – A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight!
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table? This Greek Orzo is bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta, and fresh basil—all tossed with tender orzo pasta in a lemony, herby dressing. It’s a perfect meatless meal or a flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken, seafood, or lamb. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes with just one pan! 🍅🫒✨
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock (or water)
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes (red & yellow), sliced in half
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives (sliced)
- ¼ cup green olives (sliced)
- 6 oz feta cheese (crumbled or cubed)
- 3 tbsp lemon or lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the orzo: In a large skillet, combine orzo and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Add the mix-ins: Stir in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata & green olives. Mix well.
3️⃣ Add the cheese & seasonings: Stir in feta cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping), lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
4️⃣ Reheat & blend: Heat on low, stirring constantly to combine all the flavors. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Garnish & serve: Top with fresh basil & extra feta cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
✨ Pro Tips:
✔️ Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
✔️ For extra zest, add a pinch of lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic glaze!
✔️ Make it vegan by skipping the feta or using a dairy-free alternative.
✔️ Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—it tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sodium: 1069mg
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Protein: 20g