Spinach Orzo Salad

I love these mixture of flavors.  Very easy to make.  If you are like my family (minus me) you might want to leave out the olives.  Great by itself or to go along with some chicken.

SPINACH ORZO SALAD

(serves 6-8)

Ingredients:

*3 tablespoons olive oil

*3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

*1 garlic cloves minced

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*dash of red pepper flakes

*1 pound orzo pasta, cooked for 6 minutes

*1 red bell pepper, diced small

*1 yellow bell pepper, diced small

*1 (6 ounce) jar marinated artichokes, drained & chopped (keep liquid)

*5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

*1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced thin

*4 green onions, chopped

*1/2 cup red seedless grapes, sliced 

*2 small tangerines, peeled & sectioned

*8 ounces baby spinach leaves, lightly chopped

Directions:

~In a small sauce pan, over low heat, heat up olive oil & minced garlic for 3-5 minutes.

~Remove from heat and allow to sit for at leaf 10 minutes.

~In a large bowl, add chopped vegetables, fruit & cheese.

~Add spinach and mix well.

~Add cooked, drained hot orzo pasta.

~Stir into veggie & fruit mixture.

~Pour artichoke liquid & red wine vinegar into olive oil.

~Add salt & red pepper flakes into olive oil mixture.

~Pour over salad and mix well.  

~Chill and enjoy.

Variations:

`add 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

`add 1/2 cup fresh raspberries