Introduction

Lemon Dill Orzo Soup is a light yet comforting soup that combines tender orzo pasta, fragrant fresh dill, and bright lemon flavor in a savory broth. It’s soothing without being heavy, making it perfect for chilly evenings, spring lunches, or whenever you want something fresh, nourishing, and satisfying.

What Is Lemon Dill Orzo Soup?

Lemon Dill Orzo Soup is a Mediterranean-inspired soup typically made with broth, orzo pasta, lemon juice, fresh dill, and often chicken or vegetables. The result is a balanced soup with gentle acidity, herbal freshness, and comforting starch from the orzo.

It’s similar in spirit to Greek lemon soups but lighter and easier to prepare for everyday meals.

Why Lemon and Dill Are a Perfect Pair

Lemon adds brightness and balances richness
Dill provides a fresh, slightly grassy herbal note
Together, they create a clean, uplifting flavor profile

This pairing is especially popular in soups because it enhances the broth without overpowering it.

Why This Soup Is So Popular

Light but filling
Naturally comforting and refreshing

Easy one-pot recipe
Customizable with chicken or vegetables
Great for meal prep and leftovers

Searches for lemon-based soups rise year-round due to their versatility and health-forward appeal.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

Orzo Pasta

A small rice-shaped pasta that thickens the soup slightly while adding substance.

Lemon Juice and Zest

Provide acidity and aroma that lift the entire dish.

Fresh Dill

Adds signature herbal freshness.

Broth

Chicken broth adds richness; vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.

Aromatics

Onion and garlic build savory depth.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Orzo

Regular or whole wheat both work
Cook just until tender to avoid mushiness

Lemons

Use fresh lemons only

Add zest for maximum citrus aroma

Dill

Fresh dill is strongly recommended
Avoid dried dill for best flavor

Equipment You’ll Need

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Ladle

Lemon Dill Orzo Soup Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
¾ cup orzo pasta

Zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
½ cup fresh dill, finely chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: cooked shredded chicken or chopped vegetables

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Dill

Reduce heat to low. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

If using chicken or vegetables, add them now and warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Dill Orzo Soup

Add lemon juice at the end to prevent bitterness
Cook orzo separately if storing leftovers
Use fresh dill for vibrant flavor

Adjust lemon quantity to taste

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the orzo
Adding lemon too early

Using dried dill
Oversalting before final tasting

Variations and Add-Ins

Chicken Lemon Dill Orzo Soup

Add cooked shredded chicken for protein.

Vegetarian Version

Use vegetable broth and add spinach or zucchini.

Creamy Lemon Dill Soup

Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk.

Greek-Inspired Version

Add egg-lemon sauce (avgolemono-style) for richness.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty bread or pita
Side salad with olive oil and lemon
Grilled cheese or flatbread

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-Ahead

Prepare the soup base ahead and add orzo before serving.

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth if needed.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 240
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 6 g

Carbohydrates: 38 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rice instead of orzo?

Yes, but cooking times will vary.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Freeze the broth base without orzo for best results.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, use vegetable broth and omit animal-based add-ins.

Why Lemon Dill Orzo Soup Deserves a Place in Your Rotation

This soup offers the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. It’s easy, adaptable, and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Dill Orzo Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create remarkable flavor. Bright, aromatic, and comforting, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for nourishing, feel-good meals.

Lemon Dill Orzo Soup (Bright, Comforting, and Nourishing)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup (150g) orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp juice)
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp lemon zest for extra brightness

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 5–6 min until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 sec until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo; cook 8–10 min until tender.
Add shredded chicken; heat through 2–3 min.
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh dill.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Pro tip: Add lemon off-heat to preserve its bright flavor and prevent bitterness.