Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Spinach and Orzo Salad - a culinary masterpiece that combines the freshness of crisp spinach, the creaminess of feta, and the perfect al dente orzo pasta! This Italian-inspired dish is not just a salad; it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently fold to distribute.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Always rinse your orzo with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients - especially extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend beautifully.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
- If you want to make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein.
- Use a sharp knife when chopping vegetables to ensure clean, precise cuts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
