Easy 30-minute vegan Orzo Salad recipe with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a garlic-vinegar dressing! Quick to prepare and only 7 simple ingredients.
This light and fresh orzo tomato salad is such an easy side dish to prepare. And it only takes 7 ingredients and 30 minutes.
It is made with fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a simple garlic-vinegar dressing.
Plus it is even better when made ahead of time, giving the flavors a chance to blend and intensify after chilling in the fridge.
It is also great for meal prep, take-along lunches, and summer get-togethers as well.
Ingredients for Orzo Salad
For this recipe you will need:
- Orzo pasta: Orzo is typically not gluten-free. So you can try replacing it with cooked rice, quinoa, or small gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Fresh baby spinach leaves
- Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes: I use these because they have the most flavor. But you could also substitute roma tomatoes or ripe garden tomatoes if desired.
- Green onion (scallion): Or use thinly sliced red onion for a bolder taste.
- Red wine vinegar: Or substitute fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
- Garlic cloves
- Dried basil: Or other herbs of choice such as dried Italian seasoning, dried oregano, etc.
- Salt
Pine nuts also add great texture.
Customize
Olives + dairy-free cheese: Kalamata olives and vegan feta cheese crumbles add a really nice, salty pop of flavor.
Adding oil: The dressing is made oil-free, but feel free to whisk in a tablespoon of olive oil if desired.
Veggies: Toss in other vegetables as you see fit. Sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, roasted bell pepper, artichokes, etc.
Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs also add brightness to this recipe. Fresh basil, parsley, dill, etc.
Serving
Either serve this dish immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This gives the flavors a chance to blend and intensify.
It is a great dish to enjoy year round.
Just be sure to find ripe, flavorful tomatoes because it can make all the difference.
For more inspiration, browse all orzo recipes.
Orzo Salad with Spinach & Tomato
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3-4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 8 oz. grape tomatoes
- 3 green onions
- Optional: kalamata olives or vegan feta add a great, salty pop of flavor
For the garlic-vinegar dressing:
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/8 tsp. salt (more to taste)
Instructions
- Cook orzo: Boil 2 cups water with some salt. Add 1 cup orzo, reduce heat, and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl. Whisk/stir to combine. Set aside.
- Halve/quarter the tomatoes. Slice green onions. Roughly chop spinach if desired.
- In a large bowl place spinach, tomatoes, and green onion.
- When orzo is cooked, drain and immediately add to bowl. Stir well for a minute. (The heat from the orzo will lightly wilt the spinach.)
- Pour dressing over top and toss to combine.
- Recommended: Cover and let sit in fridge for an hour before serving so the flavors get a chance to blend and intensify.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
If you are enjoying this vegan Orzo Spinach Tomato Salad, also check out:
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SHARON WINTERSTINE
Can I make this the day before I need it?
Kaitlin
Hi Sharon! Yes, I find this dish does well made ahead of time. Feel free to add a touch of olive oil as well if desired. Hope you enjoy if you give it a try!
Beverly
Do you have the link to your original dressing? Or was the only thing different that the olive oil is missing? Thanks!
Kaitlin McGinn
Yes! Only the olive oil is omitted. Please feel free to add some in as desired (about 1-2 Tbsp.)
Betsy Kassman
Can I add a bit of olive oil for the dressing?
Kaitlin McGinn
Absolutely!
Sandra
Spotted this on Pinterest - those photos are fantastic - this looks delicious! I'm looking forward to trying this. I'd love to make it as a meal prep recipe for lunches for several days. I especially like the no oil aspect. I'm counting calories and a couple of tbsp. makes a big difference in the numbers! Will check out the rest of your blog to see what other goodies I can find.
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hi Sandra! So great to hear! Hope you enjoy any recipes you try.