Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the delicate texture of orzo, the crisp bite of asparagus, and the creamy tang of feta cheese - all brightened by a zesty lemon dressing. This Lemon Orzo Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus. Wash the asparagus and trim the tough woody ends. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the asparagus pieces directly to the boiling water with the orzo to blanch them.
- Drain the orzo and asparagus in a colander, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo and asparagus with fresh spinach leaves.
- Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently fold to distribute.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's the secret to flavorful pasta from the inside out.
- Blanching asparagus directly in the pasta water saves time and ensures perfectly tender-crisp vegetables.
- Rinse the pasta and asparagus with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright colors and texture.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint just before serving.
- If you're preparing this in advance, add the spinach and feta just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
