I Need a Recipe

Easy • Vegetarian

Mediterranean Orzo Bowls

Vibrant and fresh orzo bowls packed with colorful veggies, briny feta, and a zesty dressing.

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Mediterranean Orzo Bowls

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Mediterranean Orzo Bowls! They're light yet satisfying, bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant colors. Perfect for a quick lunch, a make-ahead dinner, or even a side dish for a potluck. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Bowls

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ English cucumber, diced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.

  2. Step 2

    While orzo cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the orzo mixture. Toss gently to combine everything, ensuring all ingredients are coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

  5. Step 5

    Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. These bowls are delicious served cold or at room temperature.

Tips

  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
  • For extra crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped bell peppers.
  • Making ahead? Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent the orzo from becoming too soft.

More recipes you'll love

Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry
Weeknight•35 min
Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry

A rich and fragrant vegetarian curry packed with chickpeas and tomatoes in a luscious, spiced coconut sauce.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Easy•20 min
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Flavorful black beans and sweet corn are layered with melty cheese in crispy tortillas for a quick, satisfying meal.