Orzo with Spinach Feta and Olives
Discover a vibrant and flavor-packed Mediterranean-inspired dish with this Orzo with Spinach, Feta, and Olives recipe! Perfectly al dente orzo pasta is combined with sautéed baby spinach, briny kalamata olives, and creamy crumbled feta, all brought together with a zesty touch of fresh lemon juice and zest. Infused with garlic and finished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley, this quick and easy dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or light lunches. Serve it warm as a satisfying vegetarian main course or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome side. Bursting with fresh ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 0.75 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted.
Stir in the cooked orzo, kalamata olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine and heat for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired orzo dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2169 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.7 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.2 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 160 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 4980 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 251.2 g | 91% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.5 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 70.3 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1196 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 19.8 mg | 110% | |
| Potassium | 298 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
