orzo salad with feta and spinach

Orzo salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that will leave you feeling satisfied. It's packed with proteins from the feta cheese and spinach and has a unique texture from the orzo pasta. This dish is also incredibly easy to make and can be served as a side dish or a main course.

Orzo is a type of short-cut pasta with a shape resembling a large grain of rice. It is made from semolina flour and is boiled in salted water like regular pasta. Orzo is a great substitute for rice and has a slightly nutty flavor.

Feta cheese is a type of brined curd cheese that originated in Greece. It is made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk and is usually aged for two to three months. Feta cheese is a great addition to salads, as it adds a salty, tangy flavor.

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of iron, calcium, and vitamin K. Spinach is also high in fiber and low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Ingredients for Orzo Salad with Feta and Spinach

For this delicious and easy to make orzo salad, you will need:

1 cup orzo
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup red onion, diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions for Making Orzo Salad with Feta and Spinach

This orzo salad is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation. Here's how to make it:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the orzo and cook for 9-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Drain the orzo and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, feta cheese, spinach, olive oil, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients together until evenly combined.
Serve the orzo salad chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Making the Best Orzo Salad with Feta and Spinach

If you don't want your orzo salad to be too salty, use less feta cheese.
If you don't like the taste of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or another type of cheese.
If you don't have red onion on hand, you can use green onion or shallots instead.
For an extra layer of flavor, add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
For a vegan version of this orzo salad, you can omit the feta cheese and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orzo pasta?

Orzo is a type of short-cut pasta with a shape resembling a large grain of rice. It is made from semolina flour and is boiled in salted water like regular pasta.

What is feta cheese?

Feta cheese is a type of brined curd cheese that originated in Greece. It is made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk and is usually aged for two to three months.

What are the health benefits of spinach?

How do I make orzo salad?

This orzo salad is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 9-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, feta cheese, spinach, olive oil, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Serve the orzo salad chilled or at room temperature.

What can I add to orzo salad for extra flavor?

For an extra layer of flavor, add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a vegan version of this orzo salad.