Mediterranean Spinach Orzo
This Mediterranean Spinach Orzo is a bright, comforting dish made with tender orzo pasta, wilted spinach, garlic, lemon, and creamy feta. It’s light yet satisfying, comes together in one pan, and works beautifully as a main dish or side. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy Mediterranean lunch.
⏱ Time Required
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
1–2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Toast the Orzo
Add orzo to the pan and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast.
3️⃣ Simmer
Pour in broth, add oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4️⃣ Add Spinach
Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
5️⃣ Finish with Lemon & Cheese
Remove from heat.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and feta or Parmesan (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning.
🥗 How to Serve
As a light vegetarian main
As a side dish with:
Grilled chicken
Baked salmon
Roasted vegetables
💡 Tips for Best Results
Stir often to prevent sticking
Add extra broth if you like creamier orzo
Add cheese off heat to keep texture smooth
Lemon brightens flavor—don’t skip zest!
🔄 Variations
High-protein: add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp
Vegan: skip cheese or use vegan feta
Creamier: stir in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt at the end
Herby: add fresh dill or parsley
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store in fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw and squeeze dry before adding.
Q: Is this spicy?
No It’s completely mild and Mediterranean-style.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: ~290 kcal
Protein: ~10 g
Carbohydrates: ~38 g
Fat: ~9 g
Fiber: ~4 g