Spinach and Orzo Salad
Spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, and other vegetables combine with orzo and red wine vinaigrette to make a tasty, visually appealing, and healthy salad.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1/2 c. dry orzo
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced red onion
- 1 c. sliced zucchini
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 c. sliced kalamata olives
- 1 1/2 c. halved grape tomatoes
- 6 c. baby spinach or other greens if desired
- 1/4 c. sunflower seeds
- 1/2 c. feta cheese or goat cheese if desired
Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 c. red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package directions till tender, about 9 minutes. Rinse and cool completely.
- In large bowl place cleaned and sliced red onion, zucchini, mushrooms, and olives.
- Cut tomatoes in half and add to bowl along with spinach.
- Pour sunflower seeds evenly on top.
- Prepare vinaigrette by placing red wine vinegar, lemon juice, kosher salt, honey, basil, olive oil, and pepper in small bowl. Mix thoroughly with whisk or immersion blender till completely blended.
- Pour desired amount of vinaigrette over salad ingredients (or serve alongside salad and allow individuals to pour their own viniagrette)
- Toss all ingredients together.
- Top with feta or goat cheese if desired.