Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Spinach and Feta
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A quick and flavorful side dish that can be transformed into a salad adding more greens or a nice lunch or dinner with added greens and cubed chicken.
Author:
Recipe type: Salad
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • For the vinaigrette:
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • For the salad:
  • 12 oz orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 whole tomatoes, cut into eighths, or diced
  • 4 Tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, thinly sliced (a finely diced red onion would work, too)
  • 3 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (or 1½ teaspoons dried basil)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
  1. Mix together the ingredients for the viniagrette. Season with a pinch or two of salt and pepper. I like to put the dressing ingredients in a mason jar, shake it into submission, and let it set aside until ready to use.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring the water and chicken stock to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Mine took 9 minutes.
  3. Drain the orzo in a colander. Do not rinse, Pour into a bowl. Fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool.
  4. While the orzo is cooling, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium-low heat. Once the pine nuts begin to brown and become fragrant, remove them from the heat and allow to cool. The toasting process won't take long, so keep an eye on the pine nuts.
  5. To the cooled orzo, add the tomato, feta, chives or green onions, arugula or spinach. (I found an organic package of mixed baby arugula and baby spinach greens-yum!)
  6. Pour over ½ of the vinaigrette. Toss to distribute the dressing, vegetables and orzo. Check for seasoning, and add a little salt and pepper, if needed.
  7. Serve the orzo salad at room temperature. You can add more vinaigrette, if the pasta sticks or if you simply want more.
Notes
Our favorite addition to this salad are the pine nuts. They are slightly crunchy and toasty. Or you could substitute fresh frozen peas, if you don't have pine nuts.

Leftovers may be refrigerated. You may want to add more vinaigrette when ready to eat.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 4-6
Recipe by At Mimi's Table at https://atmimistable.com/orzo-salad-tomatoes-basil-feta/