Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for one? Dive into the vibrant flavors of our Spinach Orzo Salad for One! This Italian-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes with its colorful ingredients, but it also packs a nutritious punch that will leave you feeling satisfied. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful salad that combines the chewy goodness of orzo pasta with fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. Ready to elevate your lunch game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1/2 cup of orzo pasta, 1 cup of fresh spinach (chopped), 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup of feta cheese (crumbled), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season it.
- Once the water is boiling, add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and toss again to mix.
- Serve the Spinach Orzo Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for a short while to enjoy it chilled.
Tips
- Cook the Orzo Perfectly: Make sure to keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This will give your salad a nice texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes. They not only enhance the taste but also add vibrant colors to your salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients you love! Grilled chicken, olives, or even nuts can give your salad an extra twist.
- Chill Before Serving: If you have time, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Make Extra Dressing: If you enjoy a more flavorful salad, consider making a little extra dressing. You can always add more to taste when serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick lunch option throughout the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 469kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 25mg
