Best 5 Mediterranean Orzo Spinach Salad Recipes

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Looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal? The Mediterranean orzo spinach salad is a culinary fusion of fresh Mediterranean herbs, tender orzo pasta, vibrant leafy greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy dressing. This easy-to-make salad combines the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean with the wholesome goodness of spinach, creating a dish that is both delicious and health-conscious. Whether you're hosting a luncheon, seeking a light and refreshing dinner option, or packing a healthy lunch, this Mediterranean orzo spinach salad is sure to tantalize your taste buds and provide nourishment for your body.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

This spinach and whole wheat pasta salad, tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas), is satisfying enough as a light main course, or perfect to serve alongside grilled entrées.

Time 15m

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound whole wheat orzo pasta
4 cups baby spinach
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in extra-virgin olive oil, chopped, plus 2 tablespoons oil from the jar
1 (15.0-ounce) can garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas), rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced lengthwise
2 tablespoons roughly chopped mint leaves
2 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat, and cook orzo until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse in cold water and drain again.
  • In a large bowl, whisk lemon juice with reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper.
  • Then add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garbanzo beans, mint and parsley. Refrigerate for 1 hour for flavors to meld.
  • Stir in baby spinach before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calories, Fat 6 grams, SaturatedFat 0.5 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 430 milligrams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Protein 15 grams

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

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces orzo pasta
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained.
1 1/2 cups red grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups yellow grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups kalamata olives, halved
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese, plus more for topping
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for topping
1 red onion, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the dressing: In a jar or bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and some salt and pepper until totally combined.
  • For the salad: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and let cool.
  • Place the orzo, chickpeas, red and yellow tomatoes, olives, feta, parsley and onions in a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Stir to combine and taste; add salt and pepper if needed. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Top with more feta and parsley and serve as a main dish salad or with grilled chicken, fish or burgers!

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD



Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean, and pairs well with grilled proteins, such as fish, pork, chicken or steak. If you make this in advance, reserve a bit of the dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta has a tendency to soak up the dressing as it sits over time.

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup pitted Mediterranean olives, cut in half
1 cup finely diced Asiago cheese
1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh garlic
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and drain well again.
  • Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.
  • Whisk garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the orzo mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add basil and parsley and mix well. Let sit for 20 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 819 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

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.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your salad. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp spinach, and tender orzo.
  • Don't overcook the orzo: Orzo should be cooked until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked orzo will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Let the salad cool before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.
  • Feel free to customize the salad to your liking: Add more or less vegetables, cheese, or dressing, depending on your preferences. You could also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean orzo spinach salad is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It is packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a tangy dressing. The salad is also easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing meal, give this Mediterranean orzo spinach salad a try.

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