20-Minute Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad

Name: 20-Minute Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 8 serving
Ingredients: 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 5 TB fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 TB extra virgin olive oil; 4 tsp pure honey; 1 tsp whole grain mustard; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 4 cloves garlic; 1 shallot; 4 cups baby spinach leaves; 1 cup diced/sliced cucumber; 1 cup Grape or Cherry Tomatoes; ½ cup feta cheese; Optional: 1/2 cup crumbed bacon

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4.8

54 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
18 mins
Servings
8
Calories
170 kcal
Course
Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine
American

20-Minute Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad

Iris Warren

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Nothing is as refreshingly delicious as a bowl of Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad during the spring and summer months. Perfect for lunch at work, a light dinner, or for a picnic.

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Ingredients

Servings

1 cup dry orzo pasta
5 TB fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
3 TB extra virgin olive oil
4 tsp pure honey
1 tsp whole grain mustard or coarse ground
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic minced
1 shallot chopped
4 cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup diced/sliced cucumber
1 cup Grape or Cherry Tomatoes halved
½ cup feta cheese
Optional: 1/2 cup crumbed bacon 1/2 cup toasted nuts (almonds or pecans work well)

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Instructions

In a heavy pot of well-salted water, cook orzo just until al dente. Drain and rinse; Toss with 1 TB olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.
While orzo is cooking, make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, 2 TB olive oil, honey, mustard, kosher salt, pepper, garlic, and shallots (dressing can also be made ahead of time; cover and keep chilled until ready to use.)
Gently toss dressing with orzo. Add remaining ingredients and gently toss to combine well. Sprinkle with bacon and/or nuts, if desired.

Notes

Dressing can be made 1-2 days ahead of time and chilled in airtight container.

Nutrition Information

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Calories 170kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 4.2g (8%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 2.3g (12%) Cholesterol 8.3mg (3%) Sodium 179.4mg (7%) Fiber 1.6g (6%) Sugar 8.4g (17%)