Mediterranean Spinach Orzo Salad: A Nutrient-Packed Dish for Heart Health and Wellbeing
Mediterranean cuisine is known for being nutritious, flavorful, and heart-healthy. A salad that embodies this tradition is made with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, feta cheese, garlic, shallots, thyme, sugar, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. This dish is not only delicious, but it also has numerous health benefits. Spinach is high in iron, antioxidants, and vitamin K, sun-dried tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C and lycopene, and Kalamata olives are a good source of monounsaturated fats. Fresh herbs like oregano and thyme have anti-inflammatory properties, while feta cheese provides protein and calcium. The dressing, made with garlic, shallots, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, provides healthy fats and antioxidants. This salad is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a tasty and nutrient-dense meal that supports overall wellbeing and heart health.
Mediterranean Orzo & Spinach Salad
Equipment
- 1 Medium Pot
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Orzo Pasta
- 4 Ounces Spinach
- 1/3 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes
- 1/2 Whole Cucumber Peeled, seeded and diced
- 1/4 Cup Kalamata Olives
- 2 Teaspoons Chopped Fresh oregano
- 3 Ounces Feta Cheese
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- 1/2 Teaspoon Chopped Garlic
- 1 Teaspoon Chopped Shallots
- 2 Teaspoon Fresh Oregano
- 2 Teaspoon Fresh Thyme
- 1/2 Teaspoon Raw Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- To prepare vinaigrette, add all ingredients to jar and shake.
Orzo Salad
- Fill a medium pot halfway with water, add 2 tablespoons salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add orzo, give it one big stir, and then cook undisturbed for about 7 minutes to al dente.
- Adjust heat as necessary to maintain a boil or very brisk simmer without letting the pot overflow.
- Drain orzo under cool water until room temperature.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, olives and oregano in a large bowl.
- Toss pasta, mixed vinaigrette and the other ingredients in the large bowl together. Season with salt and pepper, if needed
- Serve at room temperature, topped with crumbled feta cheese.
