Description
A vibrant and cozy orzo pasta salad packed with creamy feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and nutritious spinach, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 qt water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lb orzo
- 1/2 lb kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 12 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and diced
- 1 cup spinach, sliced thin
- 3 tbsp fresh basil, thinly cut
- 3 tbsp fresh mint, thin strips
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, ground
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon, grated
- 1/3 lb feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Boil the Orzo: In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water, then stir in the orzo. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the orzo cooks, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and dress the salad gently later.
- Chop and Combine: Once the orzo is cooked, drain it well in a colander, and allow it to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kalamata olives, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, basil, and mint.
- Mix with Orzo: Add the cooled orzo to the bowl with the other ingredients, being mindful to avoid mashing anything.
- Dress It Up: Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Feta: Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the cheese without breaking it up too much.
Notes
This pasta salad tastes even better the day after it’s made. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg