Nutrient Dense Orzo Bean Salad Recipe
INGREDIENTS FOR ORZO BEAN SALAD RECIPE
- 1/2 box orzo
- 1 can white beans OR 2 cups dried white beans soaked overnight
- 1 white onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1 bunch leafy green (broccoli rabe, swiss chard or kale)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
Optional:- Feta
- Olives
- Parm
- Lemon
- Olive oil
STEPS FOR NUTRIENT DENSE ORZO BEAN SALAD
If you are using dried beans (which I highly recommend) soak the beans overnight and throw them on the stove in water with some salt for about 2 hours before dinner time.
1) Dice your white onion and garlic and sauté in a large pot until translucent
2) Put half the box of orzo in a pot of water and cook like pasta with salt (cook according to box instructions but drain when firm not mushy)
3) Chop the leafy green (I used broccoli rabe I think it’s my favorite vegetable) and add into the pot, then add the spinach and stir for a couple minutes
4) Open your can of white beans and drain and wash in the sink. If you are using your cooked dried beans, add those now or your cleaned off can beans to the pot (I find they are much mushier than dried but still delicious)
5) Add your drained orzo to the pot! Give a big stir of it all together and add a splash of wine, stock, more olive oil or water so it doesn’t try out. Add salt and pepper to taste!
6) Meanwhile, add your bread crumbs to a pan with a clove of garlic and olive oil and cook until browned
7) Scoop your bean, orzo and greens dish into a bowl, top with chopped parsley, feta and olives and/or Parm. Add a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil. Finish with your breadcrumbs and enjoy this veggie, nutrient-dense dish!