Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Warm Spinach, Orzo and Pistachio Salad

I got quite a few cookbooks for my birthday. They are all great, but I haven't made anything from any of them, until now. I actually saw this recipe on Serious Eats first and bookmarked it. I like taking various salads to work and this one looked good. It was really easy to make and tasted so good that I ate it before I took it to work. Oh well, just had to make more!!

Warm Spinach, Orzo, and Pistachio Salad
(Adapted from Serves One by Toni Lydecker)

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus a large pinch
1/4 cup orzo
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons organic, extra-virgin oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
1 handful organic baby spinach
1 small shallot, chopped
1 heaping tablespoon roasted pistachios

In a small saucepan combine 2 cups water with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the feta, olive oil, vinegar, a large pinch of salt and pepper to taste in a medium bow.

Drain the orzo through a strainer and add to the bowl. Gently stir to coat the orzo with the dressing. Add the spinach, shallot and pistachios and toss once more. Garnish with additional pistachios if desired.

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7 comments:

vanillasugarblog said...

I love adding feta to salads (even some sandwiches). I never thought to use pistachio though, really good idea.
BTW, those ice sandwiches look so good. I could not keep those in the house for long....poof! gone

Paula said...

I love the idea of a warm salad! This has all the stuff I like too ... orzo, feta, spinach, and pistachios! Yum! I actually have all of these ingredients, too! I can see why you ate it!

test it comm said...

That looks really good. I like using nuts in salads. Why have I never thought to use pistachios?

Anonymous said...

This looks perfect as a main salad for hot summer evenings!

Lo said...

What a lovely simple salad. I love the feta/balsamic combination... I'll bet they play off of one another nicely!

musicbleep said...

I love nuts too! i can eat nuts all day long. ood choice...

Honeycrisp said...

Agreed - We made this once with quinoa and it was super tasty.