This post may contain affiliate links.Please read our disclosure policy.The side dish that matches everything! Like a classic trench coat, you’ll reach for this Lemon Orzo recipe again and again! If you like the Trader Joe’s ‘rice orzo pilaf’ box mix, then this is the recipe for you! If you love the Trader Joe’s ‘rice orzo pilaf mix’ box, then this is the recipe for you! After buying at least one box per week of it myself, I finally decided to hack it and make it from scratch using pantry staples.

Just to be clear: unlike the box mix, my lemon orzo recipe does not contain any rice! When I use the box mix, I always add some fresh lemon zest before serving, and so I made that the center of this dish.And side note: if you’ve never had the Trader Joe’s mix, you’re still going to want this lemon orzo recipe because it’s a great, easy side dish that pairs well with almost any meal.Ingredients Olive Oil.

One tablespoon of olive oil just to saute the orzo lightly before stirring in the rest of the ingredients.Butter.One tablespoon of butter, also for sautéing the orzo.

The Trader Joe’s box mix of orzo rice pilaf calls for butter or olive oil, and I always use one of each for flavor.Orzo.Grab an 8-ounce package of orzo pasta; this is about 1 1/3 cups of dry orzo.

If you have leftovers, don’t miss my Baked Chicken Orzo.Garlic.Two cloves of garlic bring so much flavor to this lemon orzo, don’t skip it! Chicken Broth.

Our co

Read More