Lemon Zest Orzo with Spinach and Creamy Feta
If you're looking for a bright and flavorful dish that can elevate your meal, look no further than this Lemon Zest Orzo with Spinach and Creamy Feta. Inspired by a beloved television cooking show, this recipe features caramelized onions, which transform the dish with their sweet, rich flavor, contrasting beautifully with the fresh zest of lemons. The addition of baby spinach not only adds vibrant color but also a boost of nutrition. This dish improves as it sits, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this orzo dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its depth and deliciousness.
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried orzo pasta
2 cups (Cooked according to package directions and cooled)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing onions)
Onions
3 medium-large, sliced (Caramelized)
Garlic cloves
6, minced (Added to onions during caramelizing process)
Green onions
2 cups, sliced
Feta cheese
2 cups, cubed
Baby spinach
2 cups
Olive oil
1/2 cup (For dressing)
Lemon zest
4 lemons, zest of
Lemon juice
1 lemon, juice of
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the orzo according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Toss the orzo with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set aside.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed sauté pan, heat over high temperature until hot. Reduce the heat to medium-high, and add the vegetable oil followed by the sliced onions.
3
Cook the onions on high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pan seems dry, you can add up to 1 tablespoon more oil.
4
Once the onions are starting to soften, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Continue cooking, stirring frequently for another 20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
5
In a large bowl, combine the reserved orzo with sliced green onions, cubed feta cheese, and baby spinach.
6
Drizzle in the remaining olive oil, lemon zest, and the juice of one lemon. Toss everything together gently until well incorporated.
7
Carefully fold in the caramelized onion and garlic mixture, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout.
8
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. This dish can be made up to 2 days in advance; simply store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
15g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in this Lemon Zest Orzo recipe?
The main ingredient is 2 cups of dried orzo pasta.
Is this Lemon Zest Orzo with Spinach and Creamy Feta dish vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 280 calories per serving.
Can I make this orzo dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions for this recipe?
It takes about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes on high heat and 20 minutes on medium-low heat.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed feta cheese.
How many lemons do I need for the zest?
You will need the zest of 4 lemons.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires the juice of 1 lemon.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish contains 6g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this orzo dish?
There are 22g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much spinach is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of baby spinach.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 6 minced garlic cloves.
What type of oil is used for the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How should the orzo be prepared after cooking?
Once cooked, the orzo should be drained, rinsed under cold water, and tossed with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What is the role of caramelized onions in this dish?
They provide a sweet, rich flavor that contrasts with the fresh lemon zest.
How many onions are required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 medium-large sliced onions.
How much green onion is included?
The recipe includes 2 cups of sliced green onions.
What is the recommended seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
No, the fiber content is not specified in the nutritional data provided.
What size should the feta cheese be?
The feta cheese should be cut into cubes.
Why should I rinse the orzo under cold water?
Rinsing it under cold water halts the cooking process to prevent it from getting mushy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 12 ingredients.
What kind of oil is used to sauté the onions?
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil are used for sautéing the onions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors meld and improve overnight.
When do I add the garlic during cooking?
Add the minced garlic once the onions have started to soften, before the final 20 minutes of caramelizing.
What is the description of the flavor profile?
The dish is bright and flavorful, featuring sweet caramelized onions and fresh citrus notes.
Should the orzo be served hot?
It can be served fresh or chilled, as it is noted to be great for lunch and improves as it sits.
How much olive oil is used to toss the orzo initially?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to toss the orzo after rinsing.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include orzo, spinach, feta cheese, lemon, vegetarian, comfort food, meal prep, and caramelized onions.