Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill and Toasted Orzo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant pilaf combining fluffy rice with toasted orzo pasta, bright lemon juice, and fresh dill, perfect as a side dish. This greek-inspired rice & grains ready in about 30 minutes pairs rinsed long-grain white rice, orzo pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup orzo pasta and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the oil and orzo, cooking for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 1/4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill and Toasted Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (5 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill and Toasted Orzo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed long-grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill and Toasted Orzo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill and Toasted Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill and Toasted Orzo?

Greek rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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