Mediterranean Orzo Bake with Feta and Olives
This Mediterranean Orzo Bake with Feta and Olives is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table. Combining al dente orzo pasta with tangy feta cheese, briny kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, this recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it's also incredibly versatile. Whether paired with succulent Greek BBQ chicken or served as a satisfying vegetarian meal, this bake can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or as a refreshing cold salad the next day. Perfect for gatherings and meal prep, it's a dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
325
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orzo Pasta
1 cup ((1/2 lb, cooked al dente))
Feta Cheese
1 cup ((crumbled; reduced fat is fine))
Kalamata Olives
6 ((pitted and chopped))
Vine Ripe Tomatoes
2 ((seeded and diced))
Garlic Cloves
2 ((minced))
Onion
1/4 cup ((chopped))
Fresh Oregano
1 tablespoon ((finely chopped))
Fresh Basil
1 tablespoon ((finely chopped))
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a pot of boiling salted water, add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped olives, fresh oregano, and basil, ensuring everything is well combined.
6
Add the drained orzo to the skillet along with the crumbled feta cheese. Gently stir the mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the natural saltiness of the olives.
8
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe, covered baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly golden on top.
9
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm or chilled. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Orzo Bake with Feta and Olives?
It is a Greek-inspired dish that combines orzo pasta with tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs.
How many calories are in one serving of this orzo bake?
There are approximately 325 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is a satisfying vegetarian meal.
How long should I cook the orzo pasta?
The orzo should be cooked in boiling salted water for 7-9 minutes until it is al dente.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
How much fat is in this dish?
One serving contains 12.5g of fat.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it can be served warm right out of the oven or as a refreshing cold salad the next day.
How many grams of protein are in this recipe?
This recipe provides 10g of protein per serving.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 pitted and chopped Kalamata olives.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this bake?
The recipe recommends using 2 seeded and diced vine-ripe tomatoes.
How long do I need to bake the dish in the oven?
Bake the mixture in a covered dish for about 15 minutes.
What herbs are required for this recipe?
You will need 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped fresh oregano and fresh basil.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Can I use reduced-fat feta?
Yes, reduced-fat feta cheese is perfectly fine to use for this recipe.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
How much olive oil do I need?
You need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being sautéed with the onion.
What should I look for when sautéing the onions and garlic?
Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep because it can be enjoyed both warm and cold.
What is a good protein to pair with this orzo bake?
It pairs excellently with succulent Greek BBQ chicken.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
Should the baking dish be covered or uncovered?
The dish should be covered while baking in the oven.
Why should I be careful with the salt in this recipe?
You should keep in mind the natural saltiness of the olives and feta when seasoning with salt.
How much orzo pasta should I use?
The recipe uses 1 cup of dry orzo, which is about 1/2 lb when cooked.
How long do I cook the tomatoes in the skillet?
Stir in the diced tomatoes and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
What is the final step before serving?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Does this recipe include pepper?
Yes, you should season the mixture with pepper to taste.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features tangy, briny, and fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe that is also very versatile.