Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Spinach and Pignoli Nuts
This refreshing Mediterranean Orzo Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures, featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with vibrant spinach, roasted red peppers, and creamy feta cheese. A delightful crunch from toasted pignoli nuts and a zesty light Caesar dressing elevate this dish, making it a fantastic side for summer BBQs or a light lunch. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also low in cholesterol, celebrating the best of Mediterranean cuisine. Serve chilled to savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
chicken bouillon cube
1
water
to cook orzo
chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons
roasted red pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
feta cheese
2-3 ounces
kalamata olives
10 (pitted and chopped)
kalamata brine
1 dash ((optional))
red onion
1/2 small (finely sliced to create slivers)
fresh spinach
2 cups (loosely chopped)
toasted pignoli nuts
1/4 cup
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
light Caesar dressing
3 tablespoons ((such as Ken's))
garlic clove
1 (chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken bouillon cube, stirring until dissolved.
2
Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions, about 7 minutes, until al dente.
3
Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and the optional kalamata brine.
5
Add the slivered red onion, fresh spinach, toasted pignoli nuts, chopped garlic, lemon juice, and light Caesar dressing to the bowl. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
6
Gently fold in the cooled and strained orzo pasta until evenly mixed with the other ingredients.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
9
Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant summer salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Spinach and Pignoli Nuts?
It is a refreshing pasta salad featuring tender orzo, vibrant spinach, roasted red peppers, creamy feta cheese, and toasted pignoli nuts, all tossed in a zesty light Caesar dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, chicken bouillon, cilantro, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onion, fresh spinach, pignoli nuts, lemon juice, and light Caesar dressing.
How long should I cook the orzo?
The orzo should be cooked according to the package instructions, which is typically about 7 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture.
Why should I rinse the orzo under cold water?
Rinsing the orzo under cold water stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down immediately, which is essential for a chilled salad.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, this salad is described as a low-cholesterol dish, making it a healthy option for those monitoring their heart health.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. The recipe recommends refrigerating the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
What type of dressing is used for this orzo salad?
A zesty light Caesar dressing, such as Ken's brand, is used to provide a creamy and flavorful finish.
What are pignoli nuts?
Pignoli nuts are also known as pine nuts. They provide a delightful crunch and a buttery flavor when toasted.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it strictly vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken bouillon cube with a vegetable bouillon cube or salt.
How should I prepare the spinach?
The fresh spinach should be loosely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
What is the purpose of adding chicken bouillon to the boiling water?
The bouillon cube infuses the orzo pasta with extra savory flavor while it cooks.
Can I add the kalamata olive brine to the salad?
Yes, adding a dash of the kalamata brine is an optional step that can enhance the salty, Mediterranean flavor profile.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for pitted and chopped kalamata olives for their distinct salty and tangy taste.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This Mediterranean orzo salad is best served chilled.
What is the best way to slice the red onion?
The red onion should be finely sliced into thin slivers to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
Can I use a different type of nut if I don't have pignoli nuts?
Yes, while pignoli nuts are traditional, you could substitute them with toasted slivered almonds or walnuts for a similar crunch.
What makes this a good summer recipe?
Its refreshing flavors, light dressing, and the fact that it is served cold make it an ideal side dish for summer BBQs and picnics.
How much feta cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests using between 2 to 3 ounces of feta cheese.
Can I substitute the cilantro?
If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different but equally fresh herbal note.
How do I store the leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
The salad will generally stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, though the spinach may soften over time.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, one chopped garlic clove is included to add a punch of savory flavor.
Is there a specific amount of lemon juice required?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to provide a bright, zesty acidity.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, you could easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a more filling main course.
How many cups of orzo are needed?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta.
What type of peppers are used?
The recipe uses a 1/2 cup of chopped roasted red peppers.
Is this recipe easy to scale for a large group?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double or triple for large gatherings like parties or potlucks.
Should I season the salad with salt?
Salt and pepper should be added at the end to taste, keeping in mind that the feta and olives are already naturally salty.
What if I can't find light Caesar dressing?
You can use a regular Caesar dressing or a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette as a substitute.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture, as frozen spinach can be too wet and may change the consistency of the salad.