Fresh Zucchini & Feta Orzo: A Light Healthy Recipe
Summer’s bounty meets Mediterranean charm in this vibrant feta zucchini orzo that brings fresh garden flavors to your plate.
Crisp zucchini adds a delightful crunch to the tender pasta.
The salty feta cheese creates a tangy contrast against the soft orzo grains.
Packed with nutrients and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Each forkful delivers a delicious blend of herbs and vegetables that dance across your palate.
Nutrition meets incredible taste in this easy weeknight meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this Mediterranean-inspired creation.
What Makes This Orzo Dish Light Yet Satisfying
Healthy Feta Zucchini Orzo Ingredient Rundown
Main Ingredients:Aromatics:Liquid and Seasoning Components:Additional Finishing Touches:Steps to Prepare Feta Orzo Perfectly
Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Introduce minced garlic and stir briefly, being careful not to burn.
The goal is a fragrant, golden foundation that will infuse deep flavor into the dish.
Step 2: Toast Orzo Grains
Introduce uncooked orzo to the pan.
Stir thoroughly to coat with oil, allowing the grains to lightly toast.
This crucial step develops a rich, nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish’s complexity.
Step 3: Build Flavor Layers
Add ingredients to the pan:Pour in broth and milk, stirring to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Maintain a creamy consistency by adding extra broth if needed.
Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Finishers
Remove skillet from heat.
Fold in:Allow cheese to melt slightly, creating a luxurious texture that brings all flavors together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle with additional olive oil.
Optional: Sprinkle chili flakes for a hint of heat.
Serve warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and bright flavors.
Cooking Tips for Tender Orzo and Zucchini
Storing and Reheating Zucchini Orzo the Right Way
Pair This Dish With These Proteins or Sides
Feta Zucchini Orzo Swaps and Style Options
FAQs
Orzo is actually a type of pasta that looks like large grains of rice. It’s made from wheat flour and has a small, oval shape that makes it perfect for dishes like salads, soups, and one-pan meals.
Absolutely! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or even parmesan. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor to the dish, so choose based on your taste preferences.
Stir the orzo frequently during cooking and keep an eye on the liquid level. If it looks too dry, add a bit more broth. Using a non-stick skillet and stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking.
Yes, this Healthy Feta Zucchini Orzo is completely vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth, milk, and no meat ingredients, making it a great option for vegetarian diets.
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Healthy Feta Zucchini Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Mediterranean-inspired summer Healthy Feta Zucchini Orzo delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors with creamy cheese and garden-fresh zucchini. Delightful one-pot pasta promises quick nutrition and delicious comfort you’ll savor in minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked orzo
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced or a large chopped shallot
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon, both zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Sauté diced onions until soft and translucent, then quickly add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Introduce uncooked orzo to the pan, coating it thoroughly in the infused oil. Gently toast the orzo until it develops a light golden color and nutty aroma.
- Add grated zucchini to the skillet and incorporate lemon juice, zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and milk, mixing thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- When orzo reaches tender consistency and liquid is mostly absorbed, remove from heat. Fold in crumbled feta and fresh dill, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and integrate with the dish.
- Enhance the final presentation by drizzling additional olive oil and optionally sprinkling chili flakes for a hint of heat. Serve immediately while warm, savoring the creamy, zesty flavors.
Notes
- Always grate zucchini fresh to maintain moisture and prevent watery texture, ensuring the dish stays creamy and flavorful.
- Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to make this dish vegan-friendly and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Toast orzo carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, which can make the dish taste bitter and unpleasant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Clara Thompson
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.