spinach orzo salad recipe

The Best spinach orzo salad recipe

I’ve been making this spinach orzo salad recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

I love that it’s a great way to get my kids to eat more greens, as they don’t even notice the spinach is in there. The orzo adds a nice texture and flavor to the dish, and the feta cheese provides a nice tanginess. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it as the main event, this spinach orzo salad is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. I’ve also found that it’s a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you might have on hand, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can easily add or substitute different ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

My kids love helping me make this recipe, as they get to help with the chopping and mixing parts. It’s also a great way to teach them about measurements and following a recipe. As for me, I love how this salad brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

It’s truly a delight to eat and makes me feel like I’m getting a good dose of nutrients at the same time.

Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

4.9 from 1364 votes

A refreshing and light Spinach Orzo Salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, perfect for a summer meal or side dish. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

8 oz orzo pasta
5 oz fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives

Lemon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water.
4Set aside to cool.
5While the pasta is cooking, prepare the lemon vinaigrette.
6In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
7Adjust seasoning to taste.
8In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
9Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
10Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11Serve chilled, and enjoy your Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: For added protein, you can mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo pasta.

This spinach orzo salad is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and easy meal solution for your family.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores and reheats – simply refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat when needed.

Serving ideas are endless – try adding some toasted pita chips on top for added crunch, or serving it alongside some grilled meats or vegetables for added flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Q: What type of orzo should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either white or whole wheat orzo in this recipe – both will work beautifully. If you want to add some extra nutrition, go for the whole wheat option!

Q: Can I substitute other types of cheese for the feta?

A: Absolutely! While feta is traditional in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like parmesan, goat cheese, or even ricotta if you prefer a milder flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover spinach orzo salad?

A: To keep your salad fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – just make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods like onions and fish.

Q: Can I add protein sources like chicken or tofu to make this salad more substantial?

A: Of course! Adding cooked chicken, tofu, or even shrimp will not only increase the protein content but also add some extra texture and flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have any lemon juice on hand – can I substitute something else?

A: If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use either lime juice or even apple cider vinegar as a substitute – just adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

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