Spinach & Orzo salad: recipe & question

[bceogirl]

Spinach and Orzo Salad

1 16 oz pkg uncooked orzo pasta
1 10 oz pkg baby spinach leaves, finely chopped
1/2 pound crumbled feta cheese
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 t. dried basil
1/4 t. white pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Cook orzo until al dente, drain & rinse. Transfer to big bowl and add everything else. Chill and serve cold.

For more flavor and to make it more to my liking , I used more spinach, fat free feta cheese, sliced almonds in place of pine nuts and added black olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and FRESH basil. And I cut the oil and vinegar AT least in 1/2. It just doesn't need to be so oily IMHO.
QUESTION: I couldn't find WW orzo and am wonder if there is something to use in place of the white pasta to make it even healthier.
This makes a HUGE bowl and I like to just keep it in the fridge and eat it for quick meals, but want it to be as healthy as possible.

Thanks!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Would it make a big difference if you just chose another type of WW pasta since you can't find orzo? I don't even know what orzo is!?!? LOL The recipe sound yummy though!:9

 

[bceogirl]

Wendy that would work but orzo is tiny...almost like rice and I didn't have any luck finding a ww substitution.

It IS an awesome salad though. FULL of flavor.:9

 

[Miss Lee]

Becky, I agree with Wendy. I think you could substitute with any small pasta shape. I wonder what it would taste like with a grain like barley?

Michele

 

[pink_fortitude]

I am sorry I'm not posting to give you advice, but that looks DELICIOUS! I must try this!:9

Missy

 

[candi]

Brown rice would be a really healthy substitute for Orzo. I believe it has much more fiber.

 

[allwildgirl]

I would say use brown rice, or maybe couscous or bulgur, although those would give it a slightly different texture. It sure does look yummy!

 

[red_mct]

Shelley, what IS bulgur? I have seen it in a couple of places here and I'm clueless. It certainly doesn't sound appetizing...

(However, this salad does. And I REALLY need to start avoiding these food threads as I do not need any additional chomping encouragement!!!)



Marie

 

[allwildgirl]

Marie - here's a link to a good description.

http://www.sunnylandmills.com/aboutbulgur.html

 

[Miss Lee]

Hi Marie,

I just popped in to see if Becky decided on a substitute for the orzo and I saw your question. Bulgur is a whole wheat kernel and it's the main ingredient in Tabbouleh.

I know what you mean about the food threads--LOL!

Michele

 

[acatalina]

Can you sub the spinach. I just can't eat it. Tastes like mushy grass to me. Only 2 veggies i hate is spinach and asparagus.
The recipe looks awesome . Looks like great flavor.
Anne
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8227804&uid=3969941

 

[bceogirl]

Anne,

Just leave the spinach out. There are so many good things in this it won't make a bit of difference!

I think I'd like to try couscous. I've never had bulgar but am game to try that too.
I love brown rice......I think any of these would be excellent subs, so thanks for the suggestions!!! I can't wait to try them!:9

 

[JulieL]

I just found a tri-color Orzo, and am gonna try this receipe with it, can't wait to try it!

 

[kathryn]

Maybe try it with brown jasmine or brown basmati rice? They are slightly sweet, and might taste a bit like orzo?