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Spinach and Orzo Salad with Feta and Almonds Recipe

Spinach and Orzo Salad with Feta and Almonds Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

A refreshing and nutritious Spinach and Orzo Salad featuring tender orzo pasta, fresh baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lemon Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until tender, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse lightly with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, toasted sliced almonds, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Toss and Serve: Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • To toast almonds, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and stir the almonds for 3–5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  • For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether.
  • The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving as necessary.
  • Adding fresh herbs like dill or mint can enhance the salad’s flavor profile.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach orzo salad, feta cheese salad, almond salad, lemon dressing salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, healthy salad recipe

Find it online: https://maicook.com/spinach-and-orzo-salad-with-feta-and-almonds-recipe-2/