Orzo Spinach Salad

This is a recipe that I love. It is quick, easy, and very filling. It is a good vegetarian option. All of the ingredients marry so well. I love the saltiness of the feta cheese with the chewiness and sweetness of the sun dried tomatoes, and the crunch of the pine nuts. It really is one of my favorites. It would be a great pasta salad to take to a picnic because there is no mayo!

Orzo Spinach Salad
adapted from allrecipes.com

12 oz uncooked orzo
10 oz baby spinach (I roughly chop it)
6 oz crumbled feta cheese
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes
1/2 cup good balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves of garlic mashed into a paste (I mince the garlic and then add a little coarse kosher salt and smash it with the side of the blade of my knife until it is a smooth paste)

Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in spinach, feta cheese, onion, pine nuts, and sun dried tomatoes. In a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil, pepper, and garlic. Pour over orzo mixture and stir until combined.