Spinach, Feta, and Orzo Salad
User Reviews
4.4
Spinach, Feta, and Orzo Salad
Description
The salad begins with orzo pasta cooked until just al dente, then rinsed with cold water to stop cooking and chill the pasta. It is then tossed with finely chopped baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and finely chopped red onion for a combination of mild greens, creamy tang, and sharpness. Toasted pine nuts provide crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the softness of the orzo and spinach.
Seasoning includes dried basil for herbal notes and ground white pepper to add gentle spice without overpowering the delicate ingredients. The salad is refrigerated to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, it is tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which add richness and a sweet acidity that brightens the dish.
This salad is suitable for serving cold and works well as a side dish or a light lunch. Adjusting the amount of dressing used is possible depending on personal preference since the recipe makes a generous amount of dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package orzo pasta uncooked
- 1 (10 ounce) package baby spinach leaves finely chopped
- 1/2 /2 pound feta cheese about 2 cups, crumbled
- 1/2 /2 red onion , finely chopped
- 3/4 /4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon basil dried
- 1/4 /4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 /2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 /2 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cook orzo in salted water al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Transfer to a large bowl and stir in spinach, feta, onion, pine nuts, basil and white pepper. Refrigerate until serving. Toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving but not too far ahead of time.
Notes
- The recipe makes a large quantity of dressing; use less if preferred to avoid overdressing the salad.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 198 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/12 of the recipe | |
| Calories | 198kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 219mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 83mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 90IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 100mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
You'll Also Love
