Cooking with Oregano - Cooking Light

Photo: Oxmoor House

Oregano Recipes

Fresh herbs can take a dish from good to great. A staple of Italian-American cuisine, oregano can be used in a wide variety of dishes for an added, bold hit of flavor.

First up is our Oregano and Lime Roasted Chicken Breasts. Need a way to refresh regular chicken? Season bone-in chicken breasts with fresh oregano and lime. Make sure you keep the skin on, as a highlight is the crispy bite of skin with tequila-lime sauce. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves.

View Recipe: Oregano and Lime Roasted Chicken Breasts

Photo: John Autry

Wild Rice with Bell Pepper and Fennel

If you can't find precooked wild rice, substitute boil-in-bag or precooked brown rice for this delicious, easy-to-make side dish.

View Recipe: Wild Rice with Bell Pepper and Fennel

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor

Three-Bean Salad

Fresh oregano has a more intense flavor than dried and complements roasted vegetables well. The three beans are done in a flash. Mix it all together for a crisp, seasonal salad with a snappy shallot vinaigrette. Don’t underestimate this green garden salad; it offers bold flavor and a healthy dose of protein.

View Recipe: Three-Bean Salad

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Pizza Arrabbiata

Quick, simple, delicious, this pizza will satisfy your weeknight hunger. Serve with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

View Recipe: Pizza Arrabbiata

Photo: Randy Mayor

Kalamata Olive Bread with Oregano

A Greek salad and pork chops go well with this fragrant loaf, though simply buttered slices will also satisfy.

View Recipe: Kalamata Olive Bread with Oregano

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lemon-Oregano Lamb Chops

Thirty minutes and five ingredients are all you need to get this fresh-flavored lamb dish on the dinner table. Nestle an oregano sprig under each serving for a lively garnish. A side of orzo pilaf rounds out the menu.

View Recipe: Lemon-Oregano Lamb Chops

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Summer Squash Ribbons with Oregano, Basil, and Lemon

You can also toss the ribbons with wide flat pasta, such as pappardelle, for a delicious entrée. While we recommend basil and oregano, use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. Serve with a crisp sauvignon blanc and crusty bread.

View Recipe: Summer Squash Ribbons with Oregano, Basil, and Lemon

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cuban Black Bean Soup

Here we use both fresh and dried oregano because each imparts a different flavor to the final dish.

View Recipe: Cuban Black Bean Soup

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spaghetti Squash Gratins with Chunky Tomato Sauce

These individual casseroles are like little lasagnas with spaghetti squash replacing the traditional lasagna noodles.

View Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Gratins with Chunky Tomato Sauce

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Lemon and Oregano-Rubbed Chicken Paillards

Chicken breasts are pounded thin with a meat mallet or rolling pin to create paillards; the increased surface allows you to use even more of the flavorful rub.

View Recipe: Lemon and Oregano-Rubbed Chicken Paillards