Orzo With Walnuts & Olives Recipe

Name: Orzo With Walnuts & Olives
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked orzo pasta; 8 ounces walnut halves (or pieces); 1 -2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (heirlooms are really pretty!); 1 lemon, juice & zest of; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 ounces feta cheese; 1 cup kalamata olive (pitted); 10 -15 fresh basil leaves, cut in chiffonade (or 1 T. dried)

Servings: persons

1
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2
Add pasta and cook till al dente (7-8 minutes); drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
3
While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet (big enough to eventually accommodate all ingredients) over medium flame.
4
Add walnuts to the dry skillet and toast, shaking frequently, till very fragrant.
5
Remove walnuts from skillet and set aside.
6
Add olive oil to skillet and heat over medium low flame; when hot, add garlic and tomato halves.
7
Cook until garlic is fragrant and tomatoes have lost some of their juices.
8
Add lemon juice and zest and cook a minute or so, stirring to incorporate.
9
Add butter and 1/4 Celsius pasta cooking water and cook, stirring, till a loose sauce forms.
10
Add feta and olives and stir to warm a bit.
11
Add pasta to sauce in skillet and toss to coat evenly.
12
Serve sprinkled with fresh basil.

1082

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 ounces uncooked orzo pasta, 8 ounces walnut halves (or pieces), 1 -2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, minced, and more.

Yes, Orzo With Walnuts & Olives falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Orzo With Walnuts & Olives

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions