Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with just one bite. This Spinach Orzo Salad is not just a dish—it's a culinary adventure that combines the creamy texture of orzo, the freshness of spinach, the burst of cherry tomatoes, and a zesty basil dressing that will revolutionize your summer meal repertoire. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: orzo pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the 4 cups of fresh spinach under cold water and chop it roughly. Halve the 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and set both aside.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
- Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Finally, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil to the salad and give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the basil evenly throughout the salad.
- Serve the Spinach Orzo Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your refreshing Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Always cook orzo al dente to maintain its perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
- Rinse the orzo with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully infuse the ingredients.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients—especially the basil and feta cheese—to elevate the dish.
- Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
