Description
A refreshing and vibrant Orzo Salad with Apple and Spinach, combining tender orzo pasta, crisp baby spinach, sweet Granny Smith apple, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, all tossed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette and topped with Kalamata olives. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 package orzo pasta (about 8 ounces)
Vegetables & Fruits
- 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 Granny Smith apple, diced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese & Nuts
- 0.25 pound crumbled feta cheese (4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
Dressing & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
Instructions
- Cook Orzo Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, or about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the fresh baby spinach, chopped tomato, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, pine nuts, dried basil, diced Granny Smith apple, the cooled cooked orzo, salt to taste, and ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss again to coat all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Olives and Chill: Top the salad with the Kalamata olives. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to serve chilled.
Notes
- Rinsing the cooked orzo with cold water helps prevent it from sticking and cools it for the salad.
- Feel free to toast the pine nuts lightly before adding for extra flavor.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese and consider adding a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: orzo salad, spinach salad, apple salad, feta cheese salad, Mediterranean salad, easy lunch, summer salad
