Greek Style Orzo With Tomatoes And Spinach
A flavorful Greek-inspired orzo dish with tomatoes, spinach, and herbs, perfect for a quick, healthy meal that pairs well with grilled meats or roast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coarsely chop the tomatoes and set aside.
- Cook the orzo according to the package directions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the chopped onion and crushed garlic slightly in olive oil.
- Stir in chicken broth, cooked orzo, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped tomatoes.
- Stir in the thawed and drained chopped spinach.
- Cook for about 3 minutes if serving immediately, or transfer to a baking dish and heat in a 350°F oven until thoroughly hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh tomatoes in season; they enhance the dish's freshness. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option. You can also substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Adding feta cheese or olives can elevate the Mediterranean flavors, making it reminiscent of other Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for grilled chicken or fish, complementing the flavors beautifully. It can also be served as a main dish, especially when accompanied by a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Chicken Wings Mediterranean or a light seafood dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, and warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Style Orzo With Tomatoes And Spinach contains roughly 329 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (110% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2143mg per serving (93% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the orzo and prepare the vegetable mixture, then combine them just before serving. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is there a gluten-free option for orzo?
Absolutely! You can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or quinoa at many grocery stores. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it may differ from traditional orzo.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Simply stir them into the dish along with the spinach for a complete meal that's filling and nutritious.
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).