What is orzo made out of?

Orzo is a type of pasta made from whole-wheat flour, semolina flour (a product of durum wheat), white flour, or whole-grain flour that manufacturers cut into a shape similar to grains of rice.

Is orzo healthier than rice?

Orzo also has a higher fiber content than rice as well . Orzo does, however, have a higher carbohydrate content per serving, but not by much. Due to the higher protein and fiber content, orzo will leave you feeling fuller for longer which is helpful for those trying to lose weight.

Orzo has high carbs, so it's not good for a strict low-carb diet . But you can still have it occasionally if you're not too strict with carb intake.

Is orzo more healthy than pasta?

Since orzo is a whole grain pasta, it offers a few health benefits. However, these health benefits make it better than other regular pasta. However, to make an orzo meal nutritious, combine it with healthy and nutritious foods like vegetables, chicken, etc.

Is orzo a rice or pasta?

Though orzo is shaped like rice, it is actually a pasta . Further confusing the two, sometimes orzo makes its way into rice-centric dishes such as rice pilaf and casseroles. But, even when it is gluten-free, orzo remains part of the pasta family.

Which is healthier orzo or pasta?

Orzo is commonly made from white flour, but it can be made from whole-grain flour as well, making it a healthier pasta option.

What is the difference between orzo and rice?

Most prominently, orzo is made from wheat flour, while rice represents its own wheat-free class of cereal grain that grows as a grass . Orzo has a less starch-heavy consistency, which allows for a shorter cooking time. Its flavor is creamier, and it has a softer texture that integrates seamlessly into dishes.

Lemon Shrimp and Orzo Recipe (Great for Meal Prep!)

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For those looking to conquer the weeknight dinner rush or the lunchtime hustle, our Lemon Shrimp and Orzo is a meal prep champion! Prepare a batch on the weekend, and enjoy flavorful lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. The shrimp’s citrusy kick and the orzo’s hearty texture make for a winning combination that stands the test of time in the fridge. Say goodbye to uninspiring lunches – embrace the convenience and deliciousness of this recipe, ensuring your midday meals are as satisfying as they are easy to prepare.

Lemon Shrimp and Orzo Recipe (Great for Meal Prep!) | Wholefully (1)

Table of Contents

What does orzo taste like?

Orzo is a tiny rice-shaped noodle that blends the best of both the pasta and rice worlds. Orzo has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that serves as a versatile canvas for various dishes. Whether paired with rich sauces or used in salads, orzo’s taste adapts seamlessly to diverse culinary creations.

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How is orzo different from pasta?

It isn’t, really—orzo is just a very short kind of pasta!Unlike traditional long strands or shapes, orzo is petite and easily mistaken for rice at first glance. Orzo is a superb choice for soups, pasta salads, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Lemon Shrimp and Orzo Recipe (Great for Meal Prep!) | Wholefully (3)

What ingredients do I need for this lemon shrimp and orzo recipe?

To make this dish, you’ll need:

Orzo
Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemons
Green onions
Fresh dill
Fresh parsley
Cherry tomatoes
Crumbled feta cheese
Salt and black pepper

What should I serve with shrimp and orzo?

The beauty of this shrimp orzo dish is that it can be a complete meal on its own—it’s got grains, veggies, and protein, all in one bowl. That’s why it makes for an excellent weeknight dinner! But if you want to ensure you have leftovers for packed lunches tomorrow, try serving it with aneasy vegetable side dish, likesteamed asparagus,kale Caesar salad, orroasted green beans.

Lemon Shrimp and Orzo Recipe (Great for Meal Prep!) | Wholefully (4)

Is this shrimp and orzo good for meal prep?

Like most cold pasta salad recipes, this is a great dish forfood prepping. The flavor just gets better and better the longer it rests, and it holds up well in the fridge and being tossed around in a food storage container on your commute to work. It’s also incredibly healthy—and a great balance of all kinds of yummy nutrients to fuel your body.

This recipe also makes a nice and hefty amount, perfect for doling out into lunches all week long (if it will last that long—it’s definitely one of those dishes that you sneak into the kitchen in the middle of night and take a spoonful of because you can’t stop thinking about it—not that I’d know or anything).

How do you store the leftovers?

Keep any leftover shrimp orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you choose to make this vegetarian and skip the shrimp, the leftovers will be good for up to five days.

Lemon Orzo with Shrimp and Tomatoes

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Savor the zest of our Lemon Shrimp and Orzo! Quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with tender orzo and juicy tomatoes.

Ingredients

1 pound orzo (whole wheat, if possible, I like this brand)
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
8 green onions, sliced thinly
1/4 cup minced fresh dill
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes (quarter if they're large)
1/2 cup crumbled feta
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Boil the orzo according to package directions (including both the recommended oil and salt), drain well, and rinse under cold water. Place in a large mixing bowl, and set aside.
Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the shrimp in one layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in preheated oven for 4-6 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from oven, and add shrimp to the orzo.
Add the lemon zest, green onions, dill, parsley, tomatoes, and feta to the orzo. Stir to combine.
Whisk together the lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Drizzle over the orzo mixture, and toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately warm, or let chill for at least an hour before serving cold.

Notes

Leave out the shrimp and you have a nice, vegetarian pasta salad side dish. Drop the feta, too, and you've got a vegan option.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 345Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 471mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 14g

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

Want more easy weeknight dinners like this one?

Sheet Pan Greek chicken and vegetables
Beef-stuffed zucchini boats
Kale pesto chicken penne pasta

Lemon Shrimp and Orzo Recipe (Great for Meal Prep!) | Wholefully (2024)