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Fresh Asparagus Orzo Salad (20 Mins)

Orzo salad with asparagus, artichoke hearts, feta, pistachios, and herbs served in a modern ceramic bowl on a bright white marble surface, with glossy pasta, crisp green asparagus, creamy feta, and fresh lemony texture.
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Fresh Asparagus Orzo Salad is a bright, easy pasta salad with tender orzo, crisp asparagus, artichoke hearts, feta, fresh herbs, and a lemon olive oil dressing. It comes together in 20 mins and makes a lovely side dish for picnics, potlucks, or simple spring dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • ½ pound asparagus, sliced into 2 inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
  • 1 can quartered artichoke hearts in water, 15 oz, drained and sliced in half again
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • ¼ cup chopped roasted salted pistachios
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta

Instructions

  1. Boil the water: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and salt it generously.
  2. Cook the orzo: Add the orzo and cook for about 8 mins, stirring once or twice, until tender but still al dente.
  3. Add the asparagus: Stir the asparagus into the pot with the orzo and cook for 1 min, just until bright green and tender crisp.
  4. Make the dressing: While the pasta cooks, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large serving bowl.
  5. Season the artichokes: Add the drained artichoke hearts to the dressing and toss so they can soak up the lemony flavor.
  6. Toss the salad: Drain the orzo and asparagus well, then add them to the serving bowl and toss until coated.
  7. Finish and serve: Let the salad cool for a few minutes, then stir in the dill, mint, and feta. Sprinkle the pistachios over the top just before serving.

Notes

  • Add the pistachios right before serving so they stay crunchy.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended because the orzo and herbs can lose their best texture.
  • For a heartier salad, add chickpeas, white beans, grilled chicken, or salmon.

Nutrition

Keywords: asparagus orzo salad

Find it online: https://cozyhomeplate.com/fresh-asparagus-orzo-salad-20-mins/