Best 3 Mediterranean Orzo Spinach Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with our delectable Orzo Spinach Salad.** Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this delightful dish combines the goodness of orzo pasta, fresh baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onions, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, from the nutty orzo to the vibrant spinach, the sweetness of tomatoes, the piquant onions, the salty feta, and the refreshing dressing. This versatile salad can be served as a refreshing appetizer, a light lunch, or a vibrant side dish. Indulge in the taste of the Mediterranean with our easy-to-follow recipe that promises to make this salad a staple in your culinary repertoire.

**Additional Recipes to Explore:**

1. **Lemon-Tahini Dressing:** Elevate your salad with a zesty and creamy dressing made from fresh lemon juice, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of honey. This flavorful dressing adds a delightful tang and richness to the salad.
2. **Spinach and Feta Filo Rolls:** Experience the perfect fusion of flaky filo pastry, tender spinach, and tangy feta cheese in these irresistible rolls. Brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with sesame seeds, these rolls make for an indulgent appetizer or snack.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

SPINACH ORZO SALAD



Spinach Orzo Salad image

This incredibly tasty salad couldn't be any easier to put together, and since it feeds a bunch, you won't have to double the recipe for potlucks or picnics. Chill it for about an hour to bring out all the fresh flavors. Donna Bardocz - Howell, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (16 ounces) orzo pasta
6 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 8 cups), finely chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup reduced-fat balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain ozo; rinse with cold water and drain well., In a large bowl, combine spinach, onion, cheese and orzo. Mix vinaigrette, basil and pepper; toss gently with spinach mixture. Refrigerate until serving. Stir in pine nuts just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 279mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

ONE-PAN ORZO WITH SPINACH AND FETA



One-Pan Orzo With Spinach and Feta image

Similar to spanakorizo, a Greek spinach and rice dish, this easy, meatless meal features orzo, spinach, peas and scallions. It is deeply satisfying but still on the lighter side of pasta recipes, thanks to all those vegetables. A little feta gives it creaminess and tang, while some lemon zest brightens everything up. It makes a complete meal on its own, or, if you're looking for something more substantial, serve this as a hearty side dish to roasted meats or fish.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces baby spinach leaves (8 cups), coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup orzo
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
3/4 cup crumbled feta (3 ounces), plus more for garnish
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
1 cup chopped fresh dill, or use parsley or cilantro

Steps:

  • Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium, then melt butter, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in about three-quarters of the scallions (saving some of the green parts for garnish) and garlic, and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in spinach, adding in batches if it doesn't all fit in the pan at once, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is nearly cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, 10 to 14 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  • Stir in cheese, peas (if you like) and dill, cover the pan, and cook for another 1 minute, to finish cooking and warm the peas. To serve, sprinkle with more cheese and the reserved scallions.

SPINACH AND ORZO SALAD



Spinach and Orzo Salad image

A light, easy-to-make salad that's pleasing to the palate.

Provided by Christine R.

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
1 (10 ounce) package baby spinach leaves, finely chopped
½ pound crumbled feta cheese
½ red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup pine nuts
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in spinach, feta, onion, pine nuts, basil and white pepper. Toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Refrigerate and serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490.5 calories, Carbohydrate 49 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fat 26.9 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 349.2 mg, Sugar 6.5 g

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients prepped and measured. This will make the cooking process go much smoother.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. If possible, use organic produce.
  • Don't Overcook the Orzo: Orzo is a small pasta that can easily overcook. Cook it according to the package directions, or until it is al dente (still slightly firm to the bite).
  • Use a Good Quality Olive Oil: Olive oil is a key ingredient in this salad, so make sure you use a good quality oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice.
  • Let the Salad Marinate: After you dress the salad, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean orzo spinach salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a new salad recipe to try, give this one a try!

Related Topics