Spinach Orzo Salad with Artichokes

Orzo salad with artichokes and spinach comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s so fresh, delicious, and makes the best side. 

this recipe

Spinach orzo salad is usually associated with summer but you don’t have to wait until summer to make this orzo salad with artichokes.  Just like our lemon orzo salad, it’s made with simple and easy-to-find ingredients so it can be made year-round.

It’s fresh, light, and makes the best quick lunch.  Or you can double up the recipe to bring to a potluck. And leftovers make the best next day meal topped with roasted chicken from a bone-in breast.

The salad mostly involves a lot of chopping, tossing, and can be made in a cinch. 

Made with simple ingredients

The ingredients for the orzo spinach salad are pretty basic. If you’re missing an ingredient or two, there is almost always a substitute for it.  

• Orzo pasta – (sub with ditalini or orecchiette)
• Marinated artichokes – (sub with canned artichokes in brine)
• Fresh spinach – (sub with arugula)
• Plum tomatoes – (sub with other types of fresh tomatoes)
• Green onions – (sub with chives)
• Feta cheese – (sub with goat cheese or ricotta)
• Vinaigrette – olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, fresh basil, and lemon zest

How to Make Spinach Orzo Salad

One of the best things about this spinach artichoke orzo is that it’s made in three easy steps. So you can whip this salad up in no time.

• Step 1: Cook the pasta: Cook the orzo pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Add to a large salad bowl and set aside.
• Step 2: Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and basil. I also love to add fresh lemon zest to the vinaigrette for even more flavor. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.

• Step 3: Combine and chill: To the orzo, add artichokes, spinach, tomatoes, green onions, and feta. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Taste for salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Salad Variations

Add even more flavor to the orzo salad with these easy add-ins:

• Fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill
• Cubed salami
• Red onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers
• Grated or pressed garlic
• Olives

To Store

Leftover salad will last in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. I do not recommend freezing this salad.

To Serve

Spinach orzo salad is a great salad to bring to picnics, potlucks, or to serve in the warmer months. It pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, and with other salads.

Here are a few favorites to serve alongside this orzo salad with spinach:

• Cilantro Lime Chicken Sliders
• Grilled Garlic Shrimp
• Grilled Chicken Tenders
• Mediterranean Turkey Burger
• Quinoa Salad with Avocado
• Cauliflower Tabbouleh
• Mango Shrimp Salad

Love pasta salads? Here are more salads to try:

• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Israeli Couscous Salad
• Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
• Greek Yogurt Pesto Chicken Salad

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