Description
Mediterranean flavors dance in this Asparagus & Feta Orzo Salad, bringing fresh herbs and tangy cheese together with tender pasta. Summer’s freshest ingredients create a light, zesty dish that delights you with each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Pasta:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese:
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted pot of water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat.
- Submerge orzo and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process, then set aside to cool completely.
- Carefully remove the tough, fibrous ends from asparagus and slice into bite-sized segments.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a light shimmer across the surface.
- Gently sauté asparagus pieces until they transform into a vibrant emerald green and achieve a delicate crisp texture, roughly 3-5 minutes.
- Combine cooled orzo, roasted asparagus, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, remaining olive oil, and fresh lemon juice in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and allow it to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective taste profile.
Notes
- Quickly cool orzo under cold running water to stop cooking and prevent mushy texture.
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with tight, deep green tips for the best flavor and crunch.
- Customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or keeping it vegetarian with pine nuts for extra protein.
- Prepare this dish ahead of time, as it tastes even better after marinating overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg