Green Goddess Orzo Recipe
If you love recipes that are as vibrant as they are quick to make, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Green Goddess Orzo Recipe. Creamy, packed full of fresh herbs, and boasting sunshine-bright lemony notes, this easy stovetop dish is an instant upgrade for any lunch, dinner, or picnic spread. Every bite celebrates the harmony of comforting orzo and the garden-fresh flavors of spinach, basil, parsley, and chives, brought together with a lush green goddess sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that practically begs for seconds and is as great served warm as it is chilled on a summer day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Green Goddess Orzo Recipe plays an essential role, adding either creamy richness, tangy brightness, or that irresistible herby punch. Grab these fresh ingredients and get ready for a dish that’s deceptively simple yet unforgettable in every way.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta forms the hearty, tender base and soaks up all the luscious green goddess flavors.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch in the skillet gives this dish richness and helps unlock garlic’s aroma.
- Garlic: One clove adds a subtle, savory depth that balances the bright herbs.
- Baby Spinach: Chopped spinach delivers vibrant green color, extra nutrients, and a mild, earthy taste.
- Fresh Basil: Basil brings sweetness and a fragrant lift that defines the “green goddess” vibe.
- Fresh Parsley: A burst of herbaceous freshness that brightens every bite.
- Chives: Their gentle onion flavor ties all the greens together with a subtle savory note.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creamy tang and a protein boost, keeping the sauce light but luscious.
- Mayonnaise: Classic Green Goddess creaminess, balancing the tangy yogurt perfectly.
- Lemon Juice: For fresh, zippy acidity to wake up the dish.
- Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma in a way only zest can.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering the herbs.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity at the finish.
- Feta Cheese (optional): Crumbled on top for a salty, tangy contrast and creamy finish.
How to Make Green Goddess Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the orzo pasta. Keep a close eye— orzo cooks quickly, usually in about 8 minutes. You want it perfectly al dente, tender but with a hint of bite, so give it a taste near the end. Drain immediately and set aside so it doesn’t overcook; it’s ready to soak up the delicious sauce you’re about to make.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a medium skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its sweet aroma. This quick sauté infuses the oil, providing a mellow, savory backbone for the sauce without overwhelming the herbs.
Step 3: Blend the Green Goddess Sauce
Now for the magic! In your blender or food processor, pile in the chopped spinach, basil, parsley, chives, Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pour in the sautéed garlic and oil. Blitz everything until the mixture is creamy, thick, and brilliantly green. Scrape down the sides as needed, and taste to tweak the seasoning— this is where you set the flavor profile!
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Scoop your cooked orzo into a large serving bowl, then pour the silky green goddess sauce over top. Use a big spoon to thoroughly toss everything together, making sure every tiny pasta shape gets coated in that vibrant, herby goodness. If you’re feeling decadent, this is the moment to fold in crumbled feta for a briny kick and extra creaminess.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This Green Goddess Orzo Recipe is truly versatile: you can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled straight from the fridge. The flavors bloom and mingle as it sits, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead for gatherings or meal prep. Grab a spoon, fork, or just dig in— the hardest part is not going back for more!
How to Serve Green Goddess Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
To make this Green Goddess Orzo Recipe absolutely irresistible, sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta, more fresh chopped herbs, or a swirl of lemon zest on top just before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil or some toasted pine nuts can add a lovely finishing touch and extra texture.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star all on its own, but it’s also fantastic paired with grilled chicken, flaky salmon, crispy tofu, or even a tray of simple roasted seasonal vegetables. For a picnic or buffet, try it alongside classic summer salads or as part of a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the orzo in pretty bowls layered with extra greens or roasted veggies, or scoop it into individual mason jars for quick grab-and-go lunches. For a festive look, use it as a bed for skewered shrimp or as a base for a crowd-pleasing orzo salad tray centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Green Goddess Orzo Recipe (which is rare!), simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors continue to meld and deepen over the next few days, making leftovers a treat for meal prep or an easy lunch.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this recipe, since the creamy yogurt-based sauce can separate and lose its lovely texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy within three days of making and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring gently halfway through, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or a dollop of yogurt to revive the creamy consistency. The dish is also delicious straight from the fridge if you enjoy a cold pasta salad vibe!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for its small shape and tender texture, you can easily substitute with ditalini, small shells, or even couscous. Just adjust cooking times as needed for whatever you choose.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, swap it out for sour cream, regular plain yogurt, or even a dairy-free option if you want to keep the recipe vegetarian and lactose-free.
How can I make the Green Goddess Orzo Recipe vegan?
Simply use a plant-based mayonnaise and swap the Greek yogurt for a vegan yogurt alternative. Skip the feta or use a vegan feta cheese for the same creamy, tangy goodness.
Can I add extra veggies or protein?
Yes! This Green Goddess Orzo Recipe is just begging for tasty add-ins. Stir in roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp to make it more substantial. It’s a great blank canvas for customization.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, but you can find gluten-free versions in many supermarkets. Just check the label and swap it in to make this dish safe for gluten-free friends and family.
Final Thoughts
This Green Goddess Orzo Recipe is truly one of those dishes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re looking for a meal-prep hero, a crowd-pleasing side for gatherings, or just a way to sneak more greens into your day, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let this herby, lemony, and creamy pasta brighten up your table!
Print
Green Goddess Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing Green Goddess Orzo recipe that features a creamy herb sauce tossed with orzo pasta and finished with a sprinkle of feta cheese. This versatile dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a perfect side or light main course.
Ingredients
Orzo:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
Green Goddess Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Cook the orzo until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Prepare Green Goddess Sauce: Blend spinach, basil, parsley, chives, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss Orzo: In a bowl, toss cooked orzo with the green goddess sauce until well coated. Add feta cheese if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
