Greek Style Orzo With Spinach And Tomatoes
A vibrant Greek-inspired orzo dish featuring fresh tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese, perfect for a quick, healthy meal full of bold flavors and Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 10 oz chopped spinach, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Use tomatoes held at room temperature until fully ripe; core and coarsely chop (makes about 2 cups), set aside.
- Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a nonstick skillet, heat vegetable oil until hot.
- Add chopped onion and crushed garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, crushed oregano, salt, black pepper, reserved tomatoes, and cooked orzo.
- Cook until tomatoes are slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in thawed chopped spinach; cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in crumbled feta cheese and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just wilt it in the skillet before adding the tomatoes. For a twist, try adding olives or artichokes to incorporate more Mediterranean flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Greek Style Orzo with a side of grilled chicken for a filling meal, or pair it with Mediterranean recipes like Summer Shish Kebabs for a vibrant feast. A simple green salad or tzatziki sauce also complements the dish beautifully, balancing the flavors of the spinach and feta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet and heat over medium-low until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This will help avoid drying out the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Style Orzo With Spinach And Tomatoes contains roughly 601 calories, with 10g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (121% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and calcium (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2400mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat orzo instead of regular orzo?
Yes, whole wheat orzo can be used as a healthier alternative. Just be aware that it may have a slightly different texture and cooking time, so check the package instructions for the best results.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This orzo dish holds up well in the fridge and can be portioned for easy lunches throughout the week. Just make sure to store the feta separately until you're ready to eat to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Feta cheese, goat cheese works well due to its similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor. Alternatively, try ricotta salata for a milder taste or omit cheese altogether for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).