Ingredients

8 ounces orzo pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups fresh spinach , torn
3/4 cup feta cheese ( light or fat free work well )
1 cup raisins
12 fresh basil leaves , torn
1/2 cup pine nuts , toasted
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Jane's Favorite Tri-Colored Salad is a tasty and healthy meal option that is perfect for any occasion. This salad features tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, sweet raisins, and delicious toasted pine nuts. The dressing is light and easy to make with a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The combination of flavors in this salad makes it a crowd favorite, and it's always a hit at potlucks, barbecues, and dinner parties. It's a great way to get your daily dose of nutrients and is also a great meal option for those on a vegetarian or gluten-free diet.

Instructions

1.Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Once done, rinse under cold water and drain.
2.In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo pasta, torn spinach, feta cheese, raisins, toasted pine nuts, and basil leaves.
3.In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4.Pour dressing over the salad and toss everything together to coat evenly.
5.Serve chilled and enjoy!

PROS

This tri-colored salad is the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors.
It’s also very easy to make and can be prepared in advance for convenience.

It’s rich in vitamins and minerals from the spinach and pine nuts and is a great source of protein from the feta cheese.

CONS

The raisins in this salad may be too sweet for some palates.

Also, it may be difficult to find orzo pasta in some areas.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad provides a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Spinach is a leafy green that is loaded with nutrients such as iron, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Pine nuts are an excellent source of antioxidants, while feta cheese is rich in calcium. The olive oil used in the dressing contains healthy monounsaturated fats which can help lower cholesterol levels. Overall, this salad is a great way to get a variety of nutrients in one dish.

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