Orzo Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Brighten up your table with this vibrant and Mediterranean-inspired Orzo Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes! This easy-to-make dish combines tender orzo pasta with the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, crisp English cucumber, and peppery baby spinach, all elevated by the briny bite of kalamata olives and creamy crumbled feta cheese. A zesty homemade dressing featuring extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant oregano ties the medley of ingredients together, creating a salad that is as flavorful as it is refreshing. Perfectly suited as a side dish or a light main course, this make-ahead recipe is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any busy weekday. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 medium English cucumber
• 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 0.25 cup red onion
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces and set aside. Thinly slice the red onion and cut the English cucumber into small dice.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, diced cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Gently toss to mix.

Step 4

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss well to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or black pepper.

Step 7

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with additional feta cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1243.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3310.5

Total Fat 206.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 53.4mg	0%
Sodium 6918.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 317.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.5g	0%
Total Sugars 47.1g
Protein 69.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 693.3mg	0%
Iron 29.1mg	0%
Potassium 7807.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.5%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 37.3%