Spinach and Orzo Salad

Name: Spinach and Orzo Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 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

Rating: 4.6 stars

842 Ratings
603 Reviews
53 Photos

A light, easy-to-make salad that's pleasing to the palate.

By Christine R.

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Recipe Summary

prep:

20 mins

additional:

1 hr

total:

1 hr 20 mins

Servings:

Yield:

8 servings

Nutrition Info

Ingredients

Original recipe yields 8 servings

The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

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

Directions

Step 1
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.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

491 calories; protein 15.8g; carbohydrates 49g; fat 26.9g; cholesterol 25mg; sodium 349.2mg. Full Nutrition

Reviews (603)

Most helpful positive review

Mallinda

06/17/2005

This was eaten enthusiastically by the people at a pot luck dinner. Because of time constraints I had to make it the day before. I thought it would allow the flavors to blend, but I wouldn't recommend it since the pasta, cheese and onion all absorbed the dressing and turned brownish from the balsamic vinegar. But it tasted great and the appearance didn't stop anyone from eating it! Read More

Helpful

(233)

Most helpful critical review

jennaucla

07/30/2011

I followed the recipe exactly and as is this salad was extremely bland. I had very high hopes for it but I brought it to a a potluck and no one was impressed. I think it's a good idea but it definitely needs some tweaking. Read More

Helpful

(12)

842 Ratings

5 star values: 596
4 star values: 188
3 star values: 34
2 star values: 15
1 star values: 9

Reviews: Most Helpful

Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest

Mallinda

06/17/2005

Helpful

(233)

Kathryn

11/29/2005

I LOVE this salad. I add sun dried tomatoes and kalamata olives as well. I find that you don't need an entire 10 oz package of baby spinach (I only use about half of a 6 oz bag). Read More

Helpful

(190)

BATCAVES

04/20/2004

This was delicious and is a new favorite. I added black olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. The recipe makes a TON though, so i had enough for several meals. I served this as a side to "Firecracker Grilled Alaska Salmon" from this site and they went together very well. Read More

Helpful

(173)

ANGCHICK

06/10/2007

I used farfalle instead of orzo and since my husband does not care for feta, I substituted with a mixture of provolone and mozzarella cheeses. I also added grated Romano, salt, garlic powder and parsley. I toasted the pine nuts for added flavor. Read More

Helpful

(98)

Linda T

Allstar

11/30/2002

Oh my this was wonderful. I could've eaten just this for a couple of days and been very happy. I halved the recipe and served it for guests, who demanded the recipe. :) The only changes I made were using fresh basil instead of dried and black pepper instead of white. I know there is a lower fat/calorie feta cheese that I might try next time. Yes there will be a next time on this one! Read More

Helpful

(80)

ameliab

09/11/2005

Loved it - so good for any occasion. Barely used any Olive Oil - and put the juice of 1 lemon and the balsamic vinegar. Love this also with baby Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes! Read More

Helpful

(74)

Kim

11/23/2006

I made this salad for Thanksgiving and added dried cranberries and used half of the oil and vinegar. Absolutely delicious!!! Definately will be making again! Read More

Helpful

(58)

AUBYRD

08/12/2011

I've made this several times and its a great recipe that works well if you want to alter it a little for different tastes or what you have handy. I've used asiago cheese instead of the feta, also different vinegars like white balsamic, white wine and rice wine. Also, not a fan of pine nuts, but almonds go great. If you want your spinach wilted, you can put it in the colandar and then drain the orzo ( you can also substitute a variety of pastas) over the spinach to wilt it without extra cooking. Enjoy. Read More

Helpful

(42)

Mary Harrison Martinson

10/27/2002

Yum! What a great flavor. I will make this again and again! Even 1/2 the recipe makes a lot so I'll make 1/4 next time. Read More

Helpful

(33)

jennaucla

07/30/2011

Helpful

(12)

More Reviews

Back to Spinach and Orzo Salad

All Reviews for Spinach and Orzo Salad

- of Reviews

Spinach and Orzo Salad

Servings Per Recipe: 8
Calories: 490.5

% Daily Value *

protein: 32 %

carbohydrates: 16 %

dietary fiber: 13 %

sugars:

fat: 41 %

saturated fat: 37 %

cholesterol: 8 %

vitamin a iu: 68 %

niacin equivalents: 45 %

vitamin b6: 13 %

vitamin c: 18 %

folate: 51 %

calcium: 19 %

iron: 24 %

magnesium: 33 %

potassium: 11 %

sodium: 14 %

thiamin: 17 %

calories from fat:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Reviews for Photos of Spinach and Orzo Salad

1 of 603

All Reviews

Mallinda

06/17/2005

Helpful

(233)

Kathryn

11/29/2005

I LOVE this salad. I add sun dried tomatoes and kalamata olives as well. I find that you don't need an entire 10 oz package of baby spinach (I only use about half of a 6 oz bag).

Helpful

(190)

BATCAVES

04/20/2004

Helpful

(173)

ANGCHICK

06/10/2007

Helpful

(98)

Linda T

Allstar

11/30/2002

Helpful

(80)

ameliab

09/11/2005

Loved it - so good for any occasion. Barely used any Olive Oil - and put the juice of 1 lemon and the balsamic vinegar. Love this also with baby Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes!

Helpful

(74)

Kim

11/23/2006

I made this salad for Thanksgiving and added dried cranberries and used half of the oil and vinegar. Absolutely delicious!!! Definately will be making again!

Helpful

(58)

AUBYRD

08/12/2011

Helpful

(42)

Mary Harrison Martinson

10/27/2002

Yum! What a great flavor. I will make this again and again! Even 1/2 the recipe makes a lot so I'll make 1/4 next time.

Helpful

(33)

jennaucla