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Home » Popular » Salads » Spinach Orzo Salad

Spinach Orzo Salad

August 23, 2023Leave a Comment

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An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. via @thiswifecooks

Spinach Orzo Salad ~

An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.

Serve as a light lunch with fresh fruit or as a side dish with Lemon Dill Tofu. 

Spinach Orzo Salad ~An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.

Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

I like this orzo salad recipe for its Mediterranean flavors and because it is a flexible and pretty salad that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including meal prep. It’s a great addition to dinner at home and also travels well for picnics or potlucks.

Spinach Orzo Salad ~An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.

Ingredients for Spinach Orzo Salad

You will need the following:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegan feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • ​1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup dark balsamic vinegar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Ingredient Notes

  • Orzo Pasta – This small, rice-shaped type of pasta has a delicate texture and excellent ability to absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette. Israeli couscous has a similar size and texture to orzo and would also work well for this recipe.
  • Baby Spinach Leaves​ – Adds pretty color and nice texture to the salad. Frozen spinach is not recommended.
  • Feta Cheese – Dairy-free feta, which in my opinion is reminiscent of goat cheese in flavor and texture, adds a satisfyingly tangy and creamy element to your salad.
  • Pine Nuts – Adds a touch of nuttiness and pleasant contrast to the tender orzo pasta. Also easy to leave out if it doesn’t suit your taste or dietary restrictions. 
  • Fresh Basil -Fresh is best. However, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil can be used in a pinch.
  • Olive Oil – Use a high-quality oil; this is the foundation for your dressing. 
  • Dark Balsamic Vinegar – For a balanced tanginess and depth of flavor. The sweet undertones of balsamic vinegar complement the other ingredients beautifully.
  • Salt and White Pepper – Enhance the flavors with just a touch of seasoning. Use a pinch of salt to bring out the natural taste and white pepper to add a mild kick without overpowering the dish.
Spinach Orzo Salad ~An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.

How to Make Spinach Orzo Salad

STEP ONE: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions for al dente consistency. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, feta cheese, pine nuts, and basil. Stir in the cooked orzo pasta.

STEP THREE: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and white pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat.

STEP FOUR: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve at room temperature or in the refrigerator to chill for later.

Optional Add-Ins

This versatile salad is easy to customize to your taste. Try adding one or more of these ingredients:

  • Red Onion
  • Kalamata Olives
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • Fresh or Roasted Red Pepper
  • Chickpeas

Storage

  • Orzo Spinach Salad is best enjoyed the same or the next day. It’s still good in the fridge a few days after but the spinach tends to get a bit wilted over time.
An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Bell Pepper Salad
  • Garbanzo Bean and Feta Salad
  • Lemon Orzo and Rice Pilaf Salad
  • ​Herbed Couscous and Tofu Salad
  • Vegan Feta Cheese

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Spinach Orzo Salad ~An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.

Spinach Orzo Salad

An easy and versatile Mediterranean-inspired orzo pasta salad made with a medley of fresh ingredients and pantry staples.
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Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: dairy free, make-ahead, meal prep, pasta salad, side dish, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 257kcal
Author: Holly Gray
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegan feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • ​1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup dark balsamic vinegar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions for al dente consistency. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, feta cheese, pine nuts, and basil. Stir in the cooked orzo pasta.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and white pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste and serve at room temperature or in the refrigerator to chill for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1947IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswifecooks or tag #thiswifecooks!
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Filed Under: Easter, make-ahead, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: cold pasta, dairy-free, make-ahead, quick and easy, salad, vegan, vegetarian

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Hi, I’m Holly! I’m a busy wife and mom. I love cooking for my family and sharing creative and flavorful plant-based recipes.

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