Orzo Pilaf

Brighten Your Side Dish Routine with Easy Lemon-Dill Orzo Pilaf

A kidney-friendly recipe tailored for beginners—infusing zesty flavors and simplicity into your meal prep.

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish that fits within a kidney-friendly diet, look no further than this easy Lemon-Dill Orzo Pilaf. Living with kidney disease presents dietary challenges, as it's crucial to reduce sodium and maintain balanced nutrition without compromising on taste. This vibrant orzo pilaf offers a refreshing solution with its zesty combination of lemon and dill, alongside the comforting texture of orzo pasta.

Having grown up in a family affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), I deeply understand the challenges of crafting meals that are both delicious and kidney-friendly. With over 25 years as a Registered Dietitian, I combine my professional expertise and personal experiences to create nutrient-rich recipes, like this Lemon-Dill Orzo Pilaf, designed to fit seamlessly into CKD dietary plans.

This Orzo Pilaf with Lemon and Dill is crafted with low-sodium ingredients, making it a safe and flavorful choice for those managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The use of orzo pasta, fresh herbs, and lemon zest ensures a vibrant, satisfying dish that is low in potassium and free from high-sodium seasonings. It’s a perfect side dish that balances nutrition and taste while adhering to CKD dietary guidelines.

Looking for other kidney friendly side dishes? This orzo pilaf goes well with a pomegranate salad and some healthy date bars for dessert. You also would love the healthy version of marry me chicken that is just one of our renal diet chicken entrees! But don't stop there - try it with some low sodium cornbread and corn salad!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]Ingredients in Orzo Pilaf Pasta

This Orzo Pilaf combines simple, wholesome ingredients like orzo pasta, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon to create a vibrant and kidney-friendly side dish. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the dish’s flavor while keeping it light and suitable for those with CKD.

Butter – Adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish without introducing extra sodium, making it suitable for a kidney-friendly diet.White Onion – Provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, enhancing the dish while being low in potassium.Orzo Pasta – A small pasta shape that cooks quickly and serves as a hearty, lower-potassium alternative to other grains.Lemon Zest – Delivers bright, fresh citrus flavor without adding extra liquid or sodium.Lemon Juice – Adds a tangy, refreshing acidity that balances the dish and enhances the herbal notes.Low Sodium Chicken Broth – Provides a savory, flavorful base without the high sodium content of traditional broths.Black Pepper – Offers a mild heat and a flavor boost, helping to season the dish without salt.Fresh Chopped Dill – Adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish, complementing the lemon and creating a vibrant flavor profile.

See recipe card for quantities.

How To Make Vegetarian Orzo Pilaf

Get ready to elevate your meal with a delicious and zesty orzo pilaf! Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful dish that's perfect as a side or on its own.

In a medium pot with a lid, melt 2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes.Add the orzo and lemon zest, and stir to combine. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until orzo is slightly toasted.Add the chicken broth and the black pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low until all liquid is absorbed - about 12 minutes. For the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and keep it at a simmer.Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and the chopped dill. Stir to combine well.

5. Serve with a garnish of fresh dill or lemon slices.

Hint: Substitute for Broth - For a vegetarian-friendly version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. It maintains the depth of flavor while keeping the dish plant-based.

Substitutions for Easy Orzo Pilaf

Herbed orzo pilaf is a delightful and simple side dish that's perfect for bringing a burst of fresh flavor to your meals. The combination of lemon and dill creates a vibrant and aromatic dish, making it a great accompaniment to a variety of main courses. For those following a kidney-friendly diet, here are some substitutions to make this recipe more suitable for CKD-friendly needs:

Orzo Pasta: If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute with quinoa or brown rice for a different texture and flavor profile.Butter: Use olive oil or avocado oil for a heart-healthy, plant-based fat alternative.Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Swap in homemade vegetable broth for a lighter, lower-sodium option.Variations for Orzo Pilaf Recipe

Orzo pilaf is a delightful side dish that brings a touch of sophistication and flavor to any meal. With its delicate blend of citrus and herbs, this dish pairs well with a variety of main courses while being simple enough to prepare. Below are some variations to make this recipe suitable for those following a kidney-friendly diet.

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal that still follows CKD guidelines.Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken broth and replace it with vegetable broth for a fully plant-based dish.Add Vegetables: Consider adding kidney-friendly veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutrient content.Storage for Herbed Orzo Pilaf

To keep your Orzo Pilaf with Lemon and Dill fresh and maintain its CKD-friendly qualities, follow these storage tips:

Avoid Overheating: When reheating, avoid overheating as it can cause the orzo to become overly soft. Reheat gently over low heat to retain the best texture and flavor.Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps preserve the dish’s flavor and freshness while keeping it safe to consume.Freezing: If you have extra portions, you can freeze the pilaf for up to 1-2 months. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth.Top Tip for Orzo Rice PilafEnhance Flavor with Herbs: For extra flavor, add a sprig of rosemary or thyme during cooking and remove before serving. These herbs complement the lemon and dill beautifully.FAQs about Orzo As A Side DishCan I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this Orzo Pilaf can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also tastes great when served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.

Is orzo pasta kidney-friendly?

Yes, orzo pasta is relatively low in potassium and can be a suitable choice for those with CKD when used in moderation. Just be sure to monitor portion sizes and pair it with kidney-friendly ingredients like low-sodium broth.

How can I make this dish more filling?

If you’d like to make the dish more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or a kidney-friendly protein like shrimp. You can also toss in some extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.

Related Orzo Side Dish Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Orzo PilafParmesan CarrotsRoasted Red Pepper Pesto PastaWild Rice StuffingPairing with Easy Orzo Side Dish

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Orzo Pilaf:

Healthy Oatmeal Date BarsVegetarian Sloppy JoesBlack Bean and Rice BurritoVegetable Stuffing

If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

Recipe PrintEasy Rice Pilaf with Orzo#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1.wprm-user-rating-allowed.wprm-user-rating-not-voted:not(.wprm-user-rating-voting) svg * { fill-opacity: 0.3; }This orzo pilaf is a flavorful and easy dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Sautéed onions, lemon zest, and fresh dill bring vibrant flavors to toasted orzo cooked in chicken broth, resulting in a delightful and aromatic side dish.Course Side Dish, SnackCuisine AmericanDiet Diabetic, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low SaltPrep Time 5 minutes minutesCook Time 20 minutes minutesTotal Time 25 minutes minutesServings 2Calories 279kcalAuthor Mathea Ford, RDN, LD, MBAEquipment1 SkilletIngredients2 tablespoon butter½ cup finely diced white onion½ cup orzo pasta1 tablespoon lemon zest from one lemon1 tablespoon lemon juice1 cups low sodium chicken broth½ teaspoon black pepper1 tablespoon fresh chopped dillGet ingredients with InstructionsIn a medium pot with a lid, melt 2 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes.Add the orzo and lemon zest, and stir to combine. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until orzo is slightly toasted.Add the chicken broth and the black pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low until all liquid is absorbed - about 12 minutes. For the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and keep it at a simmer.Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and the chopped dill. Stir to combine well.Serve with a garnish of fresh dill or lemon slices.Videohttps://youtu.be/ccQ1dmz1uAQNutritionCalories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 371IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg | Phosphorus: 123mgCheck Out Our Meal Plans For People With Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

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