Mediterranean Orzo With Swiss Chard is a simple vegetarian recipe that comes together easily making it the perfect warm-weather weeknight main course or side accompaniment to chicken or fish. Either way grab a fork and get ready to dig into this flavorful summer dish! Packed with earthy-nutrient rich swiss chard, this orzo-based meal is sure to become one of your go-to summer favorites! Ready in under 30 minutes, we believe that’s a win-win for everyone!
Helpful Hints When Preparing Swiss Chard
1. Wash leaves in a large bowl filled with cool water to remove any dirt and grit. If you prefer, wash the chard in the sink under the faucet. Be careful not to have the faucet pressure set too high; you do not want to damage the leaves. Make sure to get in the nooks and crannies of each leaf and stem. Drain and pat dry.
2. Fold each leaf in half, and with a sharp knife, cut along the edge of the stem to remove the large vein.
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3. Take a few of the trimmed leaves and roll them up tightly into a tube shape.
4. Slice across the leaves to form ribbons
Preparing the Orzo
What is orzo? Orzo is a rice shaped pasta, used in many Greek dishes. It’s easy to prepare making it a great staple to keep in your pantry. If you’re looking for a change of pace from rice, orzo is a great alternative. The key to cooking orzo is knowing how long to cook it. Bring a large pot of water to a boil,(do not add olive oil to the water) add in the uncooked orzo, and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking, and continue to cook until the orzo is al dente. Using a colander, drain the orzo and set aside to cool while you prepare the dressing and swiss chard.
Sautéing the Swiss Chard
While the orzo is cooking prepare the swiss chard. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the swiss chard and vegetable broth to the pan, and cook, stirring often, until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. That’s all there is to it, easy peasy and ready in minutes!
Let’s Assemble Our Mediterranean Orzo with Swiss Chard
After the orzo is cooked and has cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to make the dressing. For the dressing: combine the olive oil, vinegar lemon juice and pepper in a container or glass jar with a lid. Shake vigorously to completely mix all the ingredients. Combine the orzo with the sautéed Swiss chard and gently stir to combine. Drizzle with enough dressing to coat, top with the crumbled feta cheese and chopped dill. Serve immediately. We hope you will enjoy this easy and flavorful dish with your friends and family!
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Mediterranean Orzo With Swiss Chard
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 3 cups water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bunch Swiss chard cleaned and chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable broth
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of water to a pot and cook the orzo until al dente, about 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes.
- Add the Swiss chard and vegetable broth to the pan, and cook, stirring often, until wilted, about 3-4 minutes
Dressing
- Combine the olive oil, vinegar lemon juice and pepper in a container or glass jar with a lid.
- Shake vigorously to completely mix all the ingredients.
Assembly
- Combine the orzo with the sauteed Swiss chard and gently stir to combine.
- Drizzle with enough dressing to coat, top with the crumbled feta cheese and chopped dill. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
