Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Fresh Dill and Toasted Orzo

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

A fragrant rice pilaf cooked with toasted orzo pasta, bright lemon juice, and fresh dill for a classic Greek side. This Greek recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs long grain white rice, orzo pasta, butter 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup orzo pasta and toast, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup long grain white rice to the pan and stir to coat with butter, cooking for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 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 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 Fresh 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 long grain white rice from drying out.

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

Mediterranean greek 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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