1 serving (medium) of Rice Pilaf with Orzo (150 g) has 248 calories. That works out to 165 calories per 100 g. It contains 46.1 g of carbs, 4.7 g of protein, 4.8 g of fat and 1.5 g of fiber. Its 0.5 mg of Manganese covers 20% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Rice Pilaf with Orzo?

Rice Pilaf with Orzo is a Turkish-style pilaf made by briefly sautéing rice and short, slender pasta in butter, then cooking them together in water or stock. The rice should remain fluffy and separate, while the toasted orzo adds a gentle, nutty flavor and a little contrast in texture. It is a familiar home-cooked side across Turkey, rather than a dish with just one regional version.

Serve it alongside grilled meat, stews or beans; a spoonful of yogurt also makes a simple, cooling partner. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates, with relatively little protein. For a lighter version, use less butter and enjoy a moderate portion with vegetables or a protein-rich main dish.

Rice Pilaf with Orzo Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

165

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

30.7g

· 11% DV

Protein

3.1g

· 6% DV

Fat

3.2g

· 4% DV

Fiber

· 4% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 75% · Protein 8% · Fat 17%

Rice Pilaf with Orzo Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

1.2mg · 8% DV

0.07mg · 6% DV

0.3mg · 6% DV

0.05mg · 3% DV

Minerals

Sodium

220mg · 10% DV

Selenium

4µg · 7% DV

Phosphorus

40mg · 6% DV

Magnesium

13mg · 3% DV

How Nutritious Is Rice Pilaf with Orzo?

Nutrient density

Medium

35/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

33/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Rice Pilaf with Orzo Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Rice Pilaf with Orzo

To burn the 165 calories in 100 g:

🚶

41min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

17min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

22min

Cycling

🏊

19min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Rice Pilaf with Orzo Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Rice Pilaf with Orzo Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Rice Pilaf with Orzo Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Rice Pilaf with Orzo Fat Profile

SATURATED

1.8g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.9g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.5g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 45:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (45:1).

Compare Rice Pilaf with Orzo

🍚vs🍚

Rice Pilaf with Orzo vs Bulgur Pilaf45 kcal more per 100 g

→🍚vs🍝

Rice Pilaf with Orzo vs Whole wheat pasta41 kcal more per 100 g

→🍚vs🥖

Rice Pilaf with Orzo vs Breadstick245 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍚vs🥯

Rice Pilaf with Orzo vs Simit175 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Rice Pilaf with Orzo

🍚

Bulgur Pilaf

120 kcal

🍝

Whole wheat pasta

124 kcal

🥖

Breadstick

410 kcal

🥯

Simit

340 kcal

🥣

Granola

450 kcal

🍚

Rice Pilaf

150 kcal

🍚

Basmati Rice Pilaf

140 kcal

🍝

Pasta (Boiled)

155 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Pilaf with Orzo

What is orzo in Rice Pilaf with Orzo?

Orzo in Rice Pilaf with Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta, not a type of rice. It is toasted before cooking, which gives the pilaf its characteristic golden flecks and a lightly nutty flavor.

Is Rice Pilaf with Orzo different from plain rice?

Yes, Rice Pilaf with Orzo combines rice with small pasta pieces and is usually cooked pilaf-style. Toasting the orzo and rice in fat before adding liquid gives the dish a distinct flavor and texture compared with plain boiled rice.

Why is the orzo toasted in Rice Pilaf with Orzo?

Toasting the orzo in Rice Pilaf with Orzo develops a deeper, lightly nutty flavor and gives the pasta its familiar golden-brown color. Stir it as it cooks, since the small pieces can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Can you make Rice Pilaf with Orzo with chicken broth?

Yes, chicken broth can replace some or all of the water in Rice Pilaf with Orzo. It adds savory flavor, so choose a broth whose saltiness suits the rest of the meal and season the pilaf accordingly.

Can you make Rice Pilaf with Orzo without butter?

Yes, Rice Pilaf with Orzo can be made with olive oil or another cooking oil instead of butter. The rice and orzo will still toast and cook, though the finished pilaf will have a different flavor.

Can you use brown rice in Rice Pilaf with Orzo?

Yes, brown rice can be used in Rice Pilaf with Orzo, but it takes longer to cook and needs a different amount of liquid than white rice. Cook the orzo carefully so it does not become too soft while the rice finishes.

Why does Rice Pilaf with Orzo turn mushy?

Rice Pilaf with Orzo usually turns mushy when it has too much liquid, is stirred repeatedly, or cooks for too long. Rinse and drain the rice, keep the pot covered while it cooks, and let the finished pilaf rest before fluffing.

Can Rice Pilaf with Orzo be made ahead?

Yes, Rice Pilaf with Orzo can be cooked ahead and refrigerated once it has cooled. Reheat it covered with a small splash of water to restore moisture, and avoid leaving cooked rice at room temperature for an extended time.

Can you freeze Rice Pilaf with Orzo?

Yes, Rice Pilaf with Orzo freezes well in airtight, portion-sized containers. Cool it promptly before freezing, then thaw and reheat until steaming hot; the texture may be a little softer than freshly cooked pilaf.

What should you serve with Rice Pilaf with Orzo?

Rice Pilaf with Orzo pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, kebabs, or stews, as well as beans and roasted vegetables. A crisp salad or plain yogurt makes a refreshing contrast to the buttery, savory pilaf.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026