Lemon Orzo Salad With Asparagus Spinach And Feta Vanilla And Bean Recipes

LEMONY ORZO SALAD WITH FETA AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• If pine nuts are not toasted, toast them on a cookie sheet in a 350F oven for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Boil water in a 6-8 quart pot with optional flavor cubes.
• Add orzo and cook until tender.
• Drain orzo in colander and rinse with cold water.
• Toss orzo in a large bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
• Then toss in the rest of the ingredients.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• You can add more lemon juice if you like it really lemony.
• Chill salad for 3-4 hours before serving.

LEMON ORZO WITH PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Cook orzo then combine liquid ingredients with orzo.
• Sprinkle with pine nuts and parsley and cheese.

LEMON ORZO WITH BABY SPINACH AND FETA

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Reserve.
• Heat a large heavy bottomed, wide-surfaced sauté pan, until very hot.
• Reduce heat to medium-high. Add vegetable oil and sliced onions. Cook onions on high for about 10 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more oil if pan becomes dry. Reduce heat to medium-low, add garlic and continue to cook for another 20 minutes until golden.
• In a large bowl, combine reserved orzo with green onions, feta cheese, baby spinach, mint, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss to mix. Add caramelized onion and garlic mixture.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Can be made 2 days in advance. Keep refrigerated until serving.

ORZO VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, artichokes, spinach, onions, cheese and capers. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients., Drain orzo and rinse in cold water. Add to vegetable mixture., Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

LEMON ORZO SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring 2 large pots of water to boil. Add a big pinch of salt in each.
• To one pot, add asparagus and blanch, about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Place blanched asparagus in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep them green.
• To the second pot, add the orzo. Cook per package instructions. When tender, drain and place in a large bowl. Add blanched asparagus and tomato halves.
• Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir into orzo and vegetables. Stir in parsley and grated Parmigiano Reggiano (omit the cheese to make this vegan.)
• This can be served warm, room temperature or cold.