Easy Spinach Orzo Salad with Feta 

Learn how to make a fresh and delicious Spinach Orzo Salad with simple ingredients like spinach, orzo, cherry tomatoes, and lemon. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish!

There are days when I don't have time to cook (even as a food blogger, it happens!). On those days, I ask my husband to pick up something healthy. He always heads to Whole Foods and, without fail, brings back their spinach orzo salad, among other goodies.

Recreating this fantastic salad wasn't difficult, although I'm unsure if I nailed the dressing exactly. Still, it works perfectly for us! Plus, I used ingredients that are usually in my pantry (and should be in yours, too, if you're following a healthy diet), so no unusual or pricey ingredients are involved.

I didn't have sun-dried tomatoes, which are usually part of this salad, but if you have them, feel free to add them! However, I did have jarred artichoke hearts, which was a fantastic addition!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Kid-Friendly: This orzo pasta salad is nutritious with fresh veggies and spinach. My kids adore pasta, and this salad is my go-to when I want a change from the regular rotation of pasta meals. The tiny pasta is fun to eat and cleverly hides the veggies, making it a hit with the little ones.
• Quick and Easy: It's a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy days when you need a wholesome meal in no time.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish, or boost it with your favorite protein for a heartier meal. It's also ideal for parties or family gatherings, thanks to the zesty dressing made with lemon, mustard, garlic, and balsamic vinegar that everyone will love.

Ingredients You'll Need in this Delicious Spinach Feta Orzo Salad

For the Salad

• 1 cup orzo, uncooked
• 2 cups baby fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup jarred artichoke hearts, chopped

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon mustard (any mustard will work)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Prepare This Tasty Orzo Salad

• Cook the Orzo:
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking.
• Prepare the Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Chop the Vegetables:
  • Chop the spinach, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the artichoke hearts.
• Assemble the Salad:
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and artichoke hearts.
• Dress the Salad:
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
• Chill and Serve:
  • Let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Add grilled or air-fried chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal as a main dish.
• As a side dish, pair it with grilled fish, chicken, or steak for a balanced and flavorful accompaniment.
• Serve it cold or at room temperature for picnics or potlucks. This makes it perfect for bringing to outdoor gatherings.
• In a wrap: For an easy-to-carry lunch, stuff the salad into whole wheat wraps.
• With crusty bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

Storage Suggestions

• For the best storage, keep the Spinach Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
• If you're prepping it in advance, consider storing the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy!

More Delicious Salads You'll Love

• Try my Beet and Walnut Salad for a boost of protein and vitamins.
• Give my Best Beet Salad with Mandarin Oranges a try for a refreshing twist!
• Not a fan of spinach? Give my Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Salad a try, no spinach needed!

Wrapping Up

This Spinach Orzo Salad is a delicious and versatile recipe that fits perfectly into any meal plan. Its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing offer a healthy and flavorful option for both kids and adults.

Whether served as a light main dish, a side at gatherings, or packed for lunch, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it's quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days. Give it a try and enjoy a nutritious meal that everyone will love!

Want more from my delicious salad recipes that the whole family will love on busy weekdays? Try my tasty quinoa salad-you'll love it!

Do you know what clean eating and an anti-inflammatory diet have in common? Clean eating and the anti-inflammatory diet perfectly match, emphasizing whole, natural, and minimally processed foods that support overall health and reduce inflammation. Discover more about the anti-inflammatory diet here!

Ready to kickstart your clean eating journey? Download my free meal plans, sign up for my newsletter, or explore my collection of healthy recipes. Also, please find the information about a balanced diet and ways to incorporate it into your daily routine to achieve a healthy lifestyle! 

What's your favorite salad recipe? Drop it in the comments below!