Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with just one bite - a vibrant, refreshing salad that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This Spinach Orzo Salad with White Beans is about to become your new obsession, blending fresh ingredients, Mediterranean flavors, and nutritional powerhouse components that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is your golden ticket to a gourmet experience that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: orzo pasta, fresh spinach, white beans, red onion, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and drain the can of white beans and set aside. Chop the fresh spinach and dice the red onion.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped spinach, drained white beans, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve the Spinach Orzo Salad with White Beans chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- For the best texture, rinse your orzo with cold water after cooking to prevent clumping and stop the cooking process.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice for maximum flavor impact.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- If you prefer a warmer version, you can serve this salad slightly heated, which works great in cooler weather.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 149kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
