Description
A vibrant and nutritious Orzo Kale Salad tossed with fresh spinach, shaved parmesan, pumpkin seeds, and marinated olives, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This versatile salad can be served cold, warm, or at room temperature, making it perfect for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 packed cups of spinach, chopped
- 2 packed cups of kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup marinated olives, sliced
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice from 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil in a pot. Add the dry orzo and cook for 8-12 minutes until tender. Drain the water and set the orzo aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped spinach and kale with the cooled orzo. Add pumpkin seeds, marinated olives, and shaved parmesan cheese.
- Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed garlic, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss everything well to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish the salad with extra pumpkin seeds and shaved parmesan before serving. Enjoy it cold, warm, or at room temperature.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- This salad can be served cold, warm, or at room temperature depending on your preference.
- For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the vinaigrette.
- If kale is too tough, consider massaging it with a little olive oil before adding to the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
