Mediterranean Orzo with Feta & Basil Lemon Dressing | Easy & Flavorful Side Dish

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: goat cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Goat cheese provides similar tanginess with fewer calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable while maintaining similar cooking properties.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

black olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: canned olives

Canned olives are less expensive and readily available.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the 1 1/2 cups orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer on medium heat.

Add garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and Calabrian peppers.

Cook covered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed (about 8-10 minutes).

While the orzo is cooking, make the dressing by blending basil, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Slice the cherry tomatoes and olives.

Stir in sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and 2 ounces of feta cheese into the orzo.

Let cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on low heat until the tomatoes are slightly softened and warm.

Top with fresh basil and drizzle with the basil lemon dressing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens