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Asparagus Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Delicious Asparagus Orzo Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

This Asparagus Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a vibrant, fresh dish perfect for warm weather meals, combining asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta in a zesty dressing.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Any brand is fine.
  • 1 bunch Asparagus Thicker stalks recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Julienned, packed in oil.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Thinly sliced.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Chopped.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Crumble fresh cheese.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Fresh juice preferred.
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Extra-light recommended.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Optional for sweetness.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • measuring cup

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped asparagus and sauté for 5-8 minutes until bright green and tender. Season with salt and pepper, then let cool before cutting into 1-inch pieces.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, sautéed asparagus, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup red onion, and chopped basil. Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta and drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra feta and basil, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Choose asparagus stalks wisely for the best crunch and ensure the vinaigrette is stored separately if not serving immediately.

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