Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for easy dinners or picnics.
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, then stir in 1 pound of orzo. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes.
- Drain and Rinse: Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 pound of chopped kalamata olives, 1/2 cup of chopped red onion, and 12 ounces of diced sun-dried tomatoes. Add the 1 cup of thinly sliced spinach, 3 tablespoons of fresh basil, and 3 tablespoons of fresh mint.
- Add the Orzo: Carefully fold the cooked orzo into the bowl with the vegetables.
- Dress the Salad: In a small jar, mix together 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, the grated zest of 1 lemon, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Seal the jar and shake well to combine.
- Mix and Serve: Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Finally, fold in 1/3 pound of crumbled feta cheese.
- Chill and Enjoy: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
This pasta salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg