Best 4 Orzo With Spinach Tomatoes And Lemon Recipes

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**Orzo with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Lemon: A Burst of Mediterranean Flavors**

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant shores of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing Orzo with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Lemon recipe. A delightful symphony of textures and flavors, this dish brings together the wholesome goodness of orzo pasta, the tender embrace of spinach, the juicy burst of tomatoes, and the vibrant kiss of lemon. With its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and delectable taste, this dish promises a delightful experience for your taste buds. Discover the culinary secrets behind this Mediterranean masterpiece and relish the joy of creating a dish that will transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean. Along with the classic Orzo with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Lemon recipe, this article also presents exciting variations such as Orzo with Roasted Vegetables, Orzo Salad with Feta and Mint, and Orzo Risotto with Mushrooms. Each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic, ensuring that there's something for every palate.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

ORZO WITH SPINACH, TOMATOES AND LEMON



Orzo With Spinach, Tomatoes and Lemon image

An easy orzo side dish to serve with grilled fish or chicken. Or just serve it as is for a simple, light pasta salad.

Provided by Slash Chef

Categories     Vegan

Time 30m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup orzo pasta
1 (5 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook Orzo according to package directions, until just al dente.
  • Mince garlic, add to lemon juice, salt and pepper in small bowl.
  • Whisk olive oil into lemon juice mixture.
  • Drain orzo, place in large bowl.
  • Add spinach leaves and cherry tomaotes to orzo, toss.
  • Add olive oil/lemon juice dressing and toss to coat.
  • Serve immediately or chill for later.

ORZO WITH SPINACH AND PINE NUTS



Orzo with Spinach and Pine Nuts image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large bunches spinach, leaves only, well washed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4 inch dice
2 cups dried orzo pasta

Steps:

  • Heat a large covered skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and when it is hot, add the spinach with all the water still clinging to its leaves from washing. Cover and cook for 2 minutes, then remove the lid and turn the spinach over with tongs. Replace the lid and cook for 2 minutes more. Repeat until all the spinach is wilted and tender. Stir in a pinch each of salt and pepper. Transfer the spinach to a colander set over a bowl and drain. When cool enough to handle, press down on the spinach to extract as much liquid as possible. Chop the spinach coarsely and reserve the juice.
  • In a large heavy skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly golden. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, until the garlic gives off its aroma. Season to taste, stir in the diced tomatoes and the spinach, and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from the heat.
  • In a large saucepan, bring a generous amount of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally to stop them from sticking, for about 9 minutes or until tender. Drain thoroughly, shaking the colander to get rid of most of the water, and transfer them to the skillet with the spinach mixture and the reserved spinach juice. Toss to mix the ingredients evenly, taste for seasoning and reheat gently before serving.

ORZO WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES



Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 27m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound spinach, washed, dried, stems removed
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
2 lemons, zested
1 1/2 cups orzo, cooked to al dente
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the bowl
24 basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Pile spinach leaves in stacks 1 on top of the other. Thinly slice stacks of leaves to make spinach confetti. Pile shredded spinach into the bottom of a medium sized mixing bowl. Halve grape or cherry tomatoes with a paring knife and add them to the mixing bowl. Add the zest of 2 lemons to the bowl and save the lemons in the refrigerator to juice for another recipe. Add hot cooked and drained orzo pasta to the mixing bowl. The heat of the pasta will wilt the spinach and warm the tomatoes at the bottom of the bowl and get the juices flowing from veggies. The heat of the pasta will also release the flavor and oils in the lemon zest. Drizzle 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over the pasta and toss to combine the veggies and orzo. Add basil and salt and pepper and toss to combine. Taste your orzo to adjust seasonings and serve.

LEMON CHICKEN WITH ORZO



Lemon Chicken with Orzo image

Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. -Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1-1/4 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Lemon wedges, optional

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, mix flour and garlic powder. Cut chicken into 1-1/2-in. pieces; pound each with a meat mallet to 1/4-in. thickness. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Dip both sides of chicken in flour mixture to coat lightly; shake off excess., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken; cook 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and chicken is no longer pink. Remove from pan; keep warm. Wipe skillet clean., In same pan, bring broth to a boil; stir in orzo. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 8-10 minutes or until tender. Stir in spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, basil and remaining salt; remove from heat. Return chicken to pan. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 807mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Choose the right orzo. There are two main types of orzo: regular orzo and giant orzo. For this recipe, regular orzo is best. It cooks more quickly than giant orzo and has a more delicate texture.
  • Cook the orzo al dente. Orzo is best when it is cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it is added to the salad.
  • Use fresh spinach. Fresh spinach has a brighter flavor and a more vibrant color than frozen spinach. If you only have frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all of the excess water before using it.
  • Don't overcook the spinach. Spinach wilts quickly, so it is important not to overcook it. Just add it to the salad at the very end and stir until it is just wilted.
  • Use a good quality olive oil. Olive oil is the key to a flavorful salad dressing. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
  • Season the salad to taste. The amount of salt and pepper you add to the salad will depend on your personal preference. Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Conclusion:

This orzo salad with spinach, tomatoes, and lemon is a delicious and refreshing side dish or main course. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its bright flavors and vibrant colors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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