This Greek Tomato Orzo is a 30-minute stunner—a vibrant, plant-based pasta dish with lemon, dill, and plant-based feta.
Greek Tomato Orzo: Mediterranean Comfort Meets Fresh Summer Flavor
Last summer, we took a family trip to Greece and spent part of our time on the island of Naxos. Naxos is incredibly beautiful and has such a rich foodie culture. The food there was unforgettable—fresh, local, and full of authentic Greek flavors. One dish that really stuck with me was a tomato orzo I had during our stay. It was so simple yet so good that I knew I’d eventually recreate it for my blog. My Naxian-inspired version of Greek Tomato Orzo is made with classic Greek ingredients like tomatoes, lemon, dill, and plant-based feta. The zucchini and dill are my little twists on the version I had in Greece. It’s flavorful, completely delicious and the perfect one-pot meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pot simplicity. Everything cooks together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
Bright, fresh flavors. Lemon, dill, and ripe tomatoes keep the dish light while still satisfying.
Naturally plant-based. Made without dairy or meat, but still full of flavor thanks to herbs, aromatics, and plant-based feta.
Mediterranean-inspired. Brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greek cooking to your table in just about 30 minutes.
Versatile serving. Enjoy it hot as a main, or serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a crisp salad.
Ingredient Highlight: Dill
Dill is one of those herbs that can completely transform a dish. Its feathery fronds have a bright, grassy flavor with a hint of anise, adding freshness without overpowering. In Greek and Mediterranean cooking, dill is often paired with lemon, tomatoes, and cheese, making it the perfect match for this orzo. Fresh dill really shines here—its brightness balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the feta, giving each bite a burst of flavor.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips and Questions
Choose the right orzo.
While most orzo will work here, some cook faster than others. Keep an eye on it in the final minutes to avoid overcooking.
Use Greek oregano if you can.
Greek oregano has a bolder, earthier flavor compared to regular oregano, which gives this dish an extra layer of authenticity.
Don’t skimp on the lemon.
The juice from a whole large lemon is what really brightens the flavors and brings everything together.
Feta is the finisher.
Plant-based feta adds a creamy, tangy element that rounds out the dish. Crumble it right over the top before serving.
Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?
Yes—small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work, though you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid slightly.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Keep in mind that orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so have extra broth or water ready to loosen it when reheating.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Chickpeas, white beans, or grilled plant-based chicken would all work beautifully here.
Let’s Dish About Orzo: Did You Know?
Orzo may look like rice, but it’s actually a small, rice-shaped pasta known in Greek as kritharaki. In Greece, it’s often used in baked dishes, soups, and stews—especially in recipes like giouvetsi where the pasta cooks directly in a flavorful tomato sauce. Its shape allows it to soak up broths and sauces beautifully, which is exactly what makes it perfect for this tomato-based, lemony skillet version.
Love a quick, flavor-packed pasta? Then try my Greek Tomato Orzo!
It’s fresh, vibrant, and brings a taste of Greece to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Serve it as a main or a side—it’s equally delicious either way. Give it a try and tag me on Instagram @madly__delicious with #MadlyDelicious so I can see your take!
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Greek Tomato Orzo
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- Olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ⅔ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ large zucchini, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 ¾ cup vegetable broth, divided
- ¾ tsp oregano (Greek oregano if you have it)
- ¾ tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, adjust to taste
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Cubed or crumbled plant-based feta, for topping
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the halved tomatoes and diced zucchini to the pan. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until the zucchini begins to soften and the tomatoes start to release their juices.
- Toast the orzo: Stir in the 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1 cup orzo. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, to coat the pasta and lightly toast it.
- Simmer: Pour in the 2½ cups vegetable broth, ¾ tsp oregano, ¾ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. Add ¼ cup more broth (or water) if needed to finish cooking.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, topped with plant-based feta—either sprinkled over the skillet or individually on each bowl.
I made this Greek Tomato Orzo last night and my kitchen smelled SO GOOD! The orzo turned out perfectly tender and soaked up all that rich tomato goodness, and the herbs made it taste really bright and fresh. It’s hearty without being heavy, like comfort food but still light enough that you don’t feel over stuffed. Don’t skip the vegan feta, it’s salty, creamy, tanginess tied everything together and paired perfectly with the fresh squeezed lemon. I also loved how quickly this dish came together since I tackled it on a weeknight, was under 30 minutes. Oh…and my teenager even ate it, he questioned me like a customs agent first about what was in it, but once I confirmed there was no hidden kale or tofu he ate the leftovers I was planning to have for lunch. Not complaining though, I’m super excited to have something else on the menu he will eat!! I will be making this again! 💚