spinach orzo salad recipe

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The Best spinach orzo salad recipe
Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
🥘Ingredients
👨‍🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

The Best spinach orzo salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this spinach orzo salad recipe with you. It’s a classic dish that’s been a staple in our household for years. The origins of the dish date back to ancient Greece, where orzo was a staple grain.

The Greeks would often mix it with vegetables, herbs, and olive oil to create a simple yet flavorful salad. This recipe is a modern take on that traditional dish, with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy feta cheese. The result is a salad that’s both healthy and delicious.

My kids love it because it’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. I love it because it’s perfect for any occasion – whether we’re having a quick lunch at home or bringing it to a potluck dinner at church. This recipe is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days.

I like to serve it in large bowls or containers, so everyone can help themselves. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or proteins. My kids love when I add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it more substantial.

As for me, I love the way the flavors meld together – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the tanginess of the feta cheese, and the earthiness of the spinach all come together in perfect harmony. It’s truly a delight to eat and prepare.

Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

4.8 from 1334 votes

A refreshing and light spinach orzo salad perfect for summer. This salad features orzo pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time25 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Orzo

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups water

1 pinch salt

For the Salad

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Lemon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.

2Add a pinch of salt.

3Add orzo pasta to the boiling water.
Stir occasionally.

4Cook until the orzo is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

5Drain and rinse under cold water.

6Set aside to cool.

7The orzo should be slightly firm to the bite and not mushy.

8While the orzo is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients.

9Wash and dry the spinach and place it in a large mixing bowl.

10Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.

11Mix gently to combine.

12In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the lemon vinaigrette.

13Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

14The vinaigrette should have a balanced tangy and sweet flavor.

15Once the orzo is cooled, add it to the large mixing bowl with the spinach and vegetables.

16Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

17Ensure all ingredients are well coated with the vinaigrette.

18Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes before serving.

19This allows the flavors to meld together.

20Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing spinach orzo salad.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan

Large mixing bowl

Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal. For a creamier dressing, add 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt to the vinaigrette.

Watch Video Of How Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Works

This spinach orzo salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and healthy meal for your family. It’s easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.

You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or proteins. For storage ideas, consider transferring the salad to an airtight container after refrigerating overnight – this will keep the flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.

When reheating leftover salad, simply microwave it until warmed through – no additional seasoning needed! When serving ideas are concerned, consider serving this salad in large bowls or containers so everyone can help themselves.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

What type of orzo should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a short-grain orzo, such as arborio or calabrian.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach is preferred, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute in a pinch.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming too soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure to pat dry the spinach leaves with paper towels before adding them to the salad.

Can I add other types of cheese besides feta?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese – parmesan or goat cheese work well in this recipe.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly – just omit any animal products like feta cheese if needed.

The Best spinach orzo salad recipe

Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette