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Asparagus Orzo Salad

Refreshing Asparagus Orzo Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

This Asparagus Orzo Salad is a vibrant dish featuring tender asparagus and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo substitute with any small pasta shape if unavailable
  • 1 bunch Asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes sliced
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil sliced
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest finely zested
  • 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil high-quality recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh-squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon Honey substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • microplane

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Ingredients: Trim the ends off the asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces, finely dice the red onion, slice sun-dried tomatoes, zest a lemon, and slice fresh basil.
  2. Cook Orzo: Boil salted water and cook orzo until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Sauté Asparagus: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté asparagus for 5-8 minutes until tender-crisp, then let cool.
  4. Whisk Vinaigrette: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, and oregano, then drizzle in olive oil while whisking.
  5. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled orzo, sautéed asparagus, diced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon zest.
  6. Toss with Vinaigrette: Pour vinaigrette over salad, toss with basil, feta, and pine nuts.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, serve warm or chilled, and let sit for an hour for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and can be made ahead of time for gatherings.

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