Orzo Prep
Whew! It’s HOT out there! If you’re looking for a great recipe to cool down with, this is the one. Not many people haven’t had this salad at one of my BBQs. It’s always a huge hit and on the rare occasion that there is actually any leftover, it’s even better the next day. The orzo summer salad is extremely easy to throw together and makes a large amount, so this recipe is perfect for a big gathering and can be made ahead of time so all you have to do is toss a spoon in the bowl and put it on the table. Yay for delicious and easy crowd-pleasing recipes!
Orzo Summer Salad
Serves a lot!
1 box orzo
1/2 bag baby spinach, roughly chopped
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 lb fresh feta
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo according to package instructions (approx. 7 minutes). While the orzo is cooking, roughly chop baby spinach and add to a large bowl. Juice and zest 1 large lemon and add 1/4 cup olive oil to a separate small bowl and whisk together. When orzo is done cooking, drain thoroughly and add to the large bowl, pouring over spinach leaves. {TIP: Adding the orzo while warm will slightly cook the spinach so you get softer, brighter spinach leaves} Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing over the orzo, crumble the feta and add the green onions and halved grape tomatoes. Season generously with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately or cool in the fridge to serve chilled {TIP: Remove salad 15 minutes before serving if chilled to allow the olive oil to come back to room temperature}.
Orzo Summer Salad
Try the Orzo Summer Salad with one of these great entrees:
Bison, a Better Burger Worth Biting Into
Pistachio-Encrusted Spring Lamb w/ Pickled Red Onions & Cumin Yogurt Sauce
Whole-Grain Mustard & Rosemary Pork Chops
8.ate@eight 
This was so yummy! and easy to prepare!
I served it with roasted halibut the first night and alongside grilled kefta the next night – it was great with both, and my whole family loved it. I love this blog! I just wish I lived in NYC so I could go to the supperclub 😦
Thanks Nicole. I’m glad you and your family loved the orzo salad! And it does go with just about anything, so it’s a great one to keep on hand! Wish you could come to the supper club too!
Hi! I’m Haley’s sister-in-law! She sent me your blog a few weeks ago and I made the Orzo Summer Salad for dinner this past Monday night! We LOVED it! Greg, my husband, is my biggest critic and he ate the leftovers AGAIN last night (which is huge b/c he never eats leftovers)! I did add grilled chicken seasoned with lemon pepper, garlic salt, and a touch of white pepper. Delicious compliment to the salad. This one will be going into my recipe box! THANKS!
Thanks Julia — So glad it was such a hit! I love the idea of adding chicken with lemon pepper — perfect complement to the salad! I’ll have to try that version too. Honestly I think sometimes the leftovers are even better because the orzo soaks up all the flavors, which is also why it’s a great recipe to make ahead of a party and not worry about until it’s time to put a spoon in the bowl!
This is a classic! I think it’s the first thing you ever taught me how to make. Always a hit.