Fresh Spinach and Orzo Salad - prepared by Sarah Nelson, RD, LD, - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Fresh Spinach and Orzo Salad - prepared by Sarah Nelson, RD, LD, Hamilton Hy-Vee Dietitian, Certified Health Coach

All you need:

• Orzo pasta, whole wheat if possible
• Olive Oil
• Craisins
• 2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Arugala, chopped
• Spinach, chopped
• Basil, diced
• Pine nuts, toasted
• Salt and pepper, to taste

All you do:

1. Cook orzo according to box directions until al dente.  Drain liquid from pasta and let cool on a sheet pan after drizzling a little olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning with salt and pepper.  Toss to coat then let cool.

2. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a small skillet.  Remove from pan and let cool.

3. Add cooled orzo to a bowl along with the rest of the ingredients: feta cheese, craisins, arugula, spinach and basil.  Add pine nuts.  Season as needed.

4. Refrigerate until served.  This pasta salad gets better over time.  Allow at least 1-2 hours refrigeration.