Creamy and Delicious Lemon Orzo Recipe (Bright Citrus Flavor)

Get inventive with orzo, one of those tasty varieties of pasta that can be prepared in a variety of ways and is served both hot and cold.

Lemon orzo is creamy and tasty and has a strong citrus flavor.

This lemon orzo salad will have everyone asking for seconds if you need a quick side dish or salad for a party. You can create this delectable orzo in just 30 minutes with just a few basic ingredients.

Describe Orzo

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of various shapes for pasta! Although it is frequently found in Greek cuisine, orzo (also known as risoni) can be used in any recipe in place of rice! Although orzo sometimes resembles rice, it is pasta.

It tastes fantastic when added to soups or chilled in orzo salads.

Cooking Lemon Orzo

As simple to prepare as any type of rice or pasta is orzo. Only a few ingredients are needed to create a tart flavor, and fresh chopped mint adds freshness.

1. Until the orzo is soft, simmer the broth with the oregano and lemon zest.
2. Remove from heat, stir in butter, and allow orzo to cool (per the recipe below).
3. Using a fork, fluff and stir in lemon juice, mint, or parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Advice: Try garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and some grated Parmesan cheese for a little color and taste!

Serving suggestions for Lemon Orzo

The delicious side dish lemon orzo salad can also be used as a main course or protein salad.

• Then include some cooked chicken or little meatballs.
• Greek flavor may also be found in lamb meatballs!
• For a quick lunch, try pairing it with charred salmon!

Other Delish Combinations

• Serve alongside your favorite foods with a Greek influence, such as meatballs and souvlaki.
• Add a few splashes of heavy cream and a little parmesan Parmesan.
• Include your steaming broccoli or your roasted asparagus.
• Add cooked chicken breast slices on top.

Have Extras?

Refrigerated orzo can keep for three to five days, but it must be stored in an airtight container or plastic zippered bag within two hours of cooking.

FROZE: Orzo can be frozen in a zipped bag as well; just remember to date it.

REHEAT: When you’re ready to serve, just reheat on the stovetop (you may need to add some water if needed). Season with salt & pepper and a little lemon juice.

Lemon Orzo

Adding lemon rind to the broth is the secret to giving this orzo salad recipe a vivid citrus flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon for juice and testing
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh mint finely chopped or 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley

Instructions for Orzo

1. Lemon zest should be peeled out in two broad strips using a vegetable peeler.
2. Orzo, broth, oregano, and lemon zest are all brought to a boil. When the orzo is ready, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook it uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes.
3. Once the heat is off, whisk in the butter. 5. Minutes of rest.
4. Over the orzo, squeeze half of the lemon over it, add some mint or parsley, and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Additional options

Add 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese or feta cheese crumbles.

2 thinly sliced green onions are added.

Nutrition information

Calories: 168 | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 553mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg