If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish packed with Mediterranean flavors, this Mediterranean orzo is the perfect choice! Made with tender orzo pasta, briny olives, cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, this dish is a simple yet bold recipe that works as a main dish or side. The homemade basil lemon dressing adds the best flavor, making this a great recipe for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer picnics.
If you enjoy Mediterranean dishes, try this Mediterranean Crunch Salad, One-pan Mediterranean Cod, or my Mediterranean Tuna Pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Orzo
One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in a large skillet for easy cleanup.
Big, Bold Flavors – A mix of briny olives, fresh herbs, and creamy feta.
Quick & Easy – Just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Customizable – Add your favorite protein or swap feta for vegan feta.
Perfect Side Dish or Main – Serve as a meal or alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or lamb
Mediterranean Orzo Video
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Ingredients for Mediterranean Orzo
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of post
For the Orzo:
- 1.5 cups regular orzo (or whole wheat orzo)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 10 oz medley of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- ⅓ cup green olives, sliced
- 8 oz block feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, to taste
For the Basil Lemon Dressing:
- 1 cup basil
- ¼ tsp oregano
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Mediterranean Orzo
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of post
Cook the Orzo
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly but make sure it doesn’t develop color.
- Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Add in the 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp salt (or salt to taste) and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Cook covered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 10-12 minutes). Add more broth if needed. If you find orzo is cooked but there is too much liquid, you can strain it.
Add the Ingredients
- Slice the cherry tomatoes and olives.
- Stir in sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and 3/4 of the feta cheese.
- Let cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium heat until the tomatoes are slightly softened slightly and warm.
- Top with the fresh basil.
Make the Basil Lemon Dressing
- In a mixer, blend basil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble & Serve
- Drizzle with the basil lemon dressing and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Orzo
Toast the Orzo First – This helps develop a nutty depth of flavor.
Adjust Liquid as Needed – Orzo absorbs liquid quickly, so add more if necessary.
Use Block Feta for Best Results – Crumbled feta works too, but block feta gives the best creamy texture.
Add Your Favorite Protein – Try adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Store Properly for Meal Prep – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth for the best flavor.
Can I use a different pasta?
Orzo works best, but you can swap in Israeli couscous, quinoa, or small pasta shapes for a similar texture.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
Mediterranean Orzo
Ingredients
For Orzo
- 1.5 cups regular orzo or whole wheat orzo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth (can add more as needed) or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 10 oz medley of cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives sliced
- ⅓ cup castelvetrano sliced
- 8 oz block feta cheese cubed or crumbled
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped to top
- Salt to taste
For the Basil Lemon Dressing:
- 1 cup basil
- ¼ tsp oregano
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt or salt to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Orzo
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the 1.5 cups orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly but make sure it doesn't develop color.
- Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Add in the 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp salt (or salt to taste) and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Cook covered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 8-10 minutes). Add more broth if needed. If you find orzo is cooked but there is too much liquid, you can strain it.
Make the Basil Lemon Dressing
- While the orzo is cooking, you can make the dressing. In a mixer, blend 1 cup of basil, fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
Add the Ingredients
- Slice the cherry tomatoes and olives.
- Stir in sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and 3/4 of the feta cheese.
- Let cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium heat until the tomatoes are slightly softened slightly and warm.
- Top with the fresh basil.
Assemble & Serve
- Drizzle with the basil lemon dressing and stir to combine. I also like to top with more feta cheese.
- Serve warm as a main dish or side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
This is such a fresh recipe!