Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs: 15-Minute Flavor Bomb

Name: Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: ½ onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried dill; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup orzo; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth; Fresh dill, optional; Extra virgin olive oil, to taste; Lemon juice, to taste; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish that proves simple ingredients can feel downright magical, it’s Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs. This is the kind of recipe that saves busy weeknights, elevates a plain piece of chicken, and somehow still feels special enough for guests. Bright lemon, cozy herbs, and tender orzo come together in a way that feels like sunshine in a bowl—without demanding much effort from you.

I love recipes like this because they meet you exactly where you are. Long day? Kids starving? Zero energy for complicated cooking? This Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs has your back. It’s quick, flexible, and tastes like something you’d order at a charming little café… except you made it yourself in under 15 minutes.

Let’s get into why this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs

There’s a lot to adore about this dish, but here are the highlights that make it such a standout:

Fast and fuss-free: From chopping the onion to finishing with lemon juice, you’re done in about 12 minutes.
Big flavor, simple pantry staples: Dried herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil do all the heavy lifting.
Versatile: Serve it hot, serve it cold, pack it for lunch, or spoon it next to fish, chicken, or roasted veggies.
Light yet comforting: It’s cozy without being heavy, fresh without being boring.

This is one of those recipes that feels like a small win in the middle of a busy day—and honestly, we all need more of those.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here, just honest ingredients working together beautifully.

For the Orzo

½ onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried dill
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup orzo
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth

To Finish the Dish

Fresh dill (optional, but lovely)
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
Lemon juice, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

These are the kinds of ingredients I almost always have around, which makes this recipe even more lovable.

How to Make Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs (Step-by-Step)

This recipe moves fast, so it helps to have everything ready to go before you start. Once the pan is hot, dinner is basically happening.

Step 1: Soften the Aromatics

Finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and salt, then cook gently for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing.

Step 2: Bloom the Herbs

Stir in the dried oregano, dried dill, and black pepper. Let them warm in the oil for a few seconds—this wakes up the herbs and deepens their flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the orzo to the pan and stir well so every little piece gets coated in that herby olive oil. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps the pasta absorb all that goodness.

Step 4: Simmer

Add the lemon zest (reserve about ½ teaspoon for garnish later), then pour in the broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

There should be very little broth left at the end. If there’s a bit extra, just drain it off. If it evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth or salted hot water and keep going.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Transfer the orzo to a serving dish and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh dill, and the reserved lemon zest.

That’s it. Simple, bright, and incredibly satisfying.

Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs in a white bowl with fresh parsley and lemon — This Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs is light, comforting, and ready in minutes.

Helpful Tips (Because Life Happens)

Too dry? No stress. Add a splash of broth or hot water and stir—it’ll loosen right up.
Too thick? A drizzle of olive oil fixes almost everything. Consider it flavor insurance.
Want it extra lemony? Add both zest and juice at the end. Lemon lovers, this is your moment.
Feeding picky eaters? Start light on the lemon juice and let everyone add more at the table.

Cooking doesn’t have to be perfect to be delicious.

A Little Personal Note from My Kitchen

This Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs is one of those recipes I turn to when my week feels like one long to-do list. It’s saved me on nights when I forgot to plan dinner, and it’s dressed up plenty of “meh” proteins into something that felt intentional.

I’ve even eaten it straight from the fridge the next day while answering emails—still delicious, still comforting. That’s when you know a recipe is a keeper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes fantastic the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes! It works beautifully as a cold pasta salad. Just add a little extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

You can. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs and add them toward the end so they stay bright and fresh.

What can I serve with Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked fish, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. It also works as a light lunch all on its own.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

It already is if you use vegetable broth. Easy win.

A Bright Ending Worth Coming Back To

There’s something deeply comforting about having a recipe you can rely on—one that’s quick, flexible, and always delivers. Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs is exactly that kind of dish. It’s light but cozy, simple but flavorful, and perfect for those days when you want something homemade without the hassle.

Whether you’re serving it fresh off the stove or enjoying leftovers straight from the fridge, this little bowl of lemony goodness has a way of making everyday meals feel just a bit more special. And honestly? That’s what good cooking is all about.

A Few More Cozy Dishes You’ll Love

If you’re in the mood to keep those bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavors going, these recipes fit right in and make planning your next few meals a whole lot easier. They’re perfect for mixing and matching with this dish—whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for family, or just looking for fresh ideas that don’t feel complicated. For a light and zesty side that pairs beautifully with chicken, this Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs is a lovely addition to any Mediterranean-style dinner.

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki bring all those classic Greek flavors into an easy, satisfying bowl that works great for lunch or dinner.
Lemon Feta Chicken and Orzo is cozy, fresh, and perfect when you’re craving something comforting but not heavy.
Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is a great option when you want to keep things quick while switching up the protein.
Creamy Garlic Lime Cilantro Sauce is one of those sauces you’ll want to keep on repeat—it’s amazing on chicken, bowls, and roasted veggies.

These dishes flow naturally together and make it easy to keep delicious, stress-free meals on the table all week long.