Spinach Orzo Salad

Name: Spinach Orzo Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 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

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

Ingredients

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

Directions

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

3/4 cup: 255 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.

Originally published as Spinach and Orzo Salad in Healthy Cooking April/May 2010

Reviews

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Average Rating:

mjlouk

May 12, 2015

This was really good and a healthier alternative to my usual pasta salad.
homelat

Mar 6, 2012

Family favorite. Love how all the flavors come together.
heydoll

Aug 21, 2011

Fabulous! I marinated some chicken breasts, and baked them, then chopped them up and added to the salad...a huge hit!
linsvin

Jun 7, 2011

I really like this salad not only for the taste but the burst of crunch. I used fat free feta and didn't even miss the full fat flavor. Something alittle different but still a refreshing cold salad.
Luau1205

Jan 6, 2011

Does anyone know if you can make this recipe into a hot dish? Trying to find the recipe that Macaroni Grill makes!!
Anna Marie Kollmann

Sep 17, 2010

It is an excellent salad. Very tasty and very easy to make.
countryjules1964

Sep 3, 2010

I have made this several times and it gets eaten up all the time. I also add chopped cucumber to it for some added crunch. Pine nuts are a little pricey so I usually omit them. A great alternative to potato or macaroni salad. Yum!
sunsign79

May 24, 2010

Absolutely Fabulous!!!
dmalcolm

Apr 8, 2010

Very good salad, we enjoyed it and will definately make it again.