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4.8 from 54 votes

20-Minute Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad

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.

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

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 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)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.)
  3. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 170

% Daily Value*

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%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.