🇬🇷🍅 Mediterranean Baked Orzo with Vegetables and Feta
A vibrant, flavor-packed one-dish meal that brings the sunny tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table. Tender orzo pasta is baked in a savory broth with roasted vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta. It’s fresh, satisfying, and super easy to make — no stovetop stirring needed!
🍽️ Servings
Serves 4 as a main, or 6 as a side
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep veggies: In a baking dish (about 8×8 or similar), toss zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add orzo and broth: Stir in the uncooked orzo and pour in the vegetable broth. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
- Top with olives and feta: Sprinkle olives and feta on top.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest & fluff: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
💡 Notes & Tips
- No feta? Try goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative.
- Add protein: Chickpeas or grilled chicken pair beautifully.
- Use whole wheat orzo for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing.
- Zucchini substitute: Try eggplant, bell pepper, or spinach.
✅ Health Benefits
- Mediterranean-style diet: Heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory, and loaded with nutrients
- Vegetable-rich: Provides fiber, vitamins A & C, and antioxidants
- Healthy fats from olives and olive oil
- Calcium & protein from feta cheese
🍴 Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 4 servings – approximate)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: It freezes well. Let cool, portion, and store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Grilled chicken, fish, hummus, or a Greek salad make perfect pairings.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Not as-is, but you can substitute with gluten-free orzo or short pasta.
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