Spring Orzo Salad Recipes

SPRING ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk lemon zest, juice, water, oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl until blended.
• Add onions and let stand while pasta cooks.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta, return to a boil and cook as package directs; stir in asparagus and carrots 3 minutes before pasta will be done.
• Cook until pasta and vegetables are just firm-tender.
• Drain and rinse under cold running water; drain again.
• Put in a bowl with dressing.
• Add mint or dill or parsley to mix and coat.

SPRING ORZO SALAD WITH PEAS AND LEMON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add in the tablespoon of salt. Add the orzo to the pot and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, then add the fresh peas and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until both the orzo and peas are tender. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
• add the oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest to a small jar. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until emulsified; set aside.
• Transfer the orzo and peas to a large bowl, then add in the radishes, parsley, mint, and almonds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well-combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if necessary
• Serve immediately, or place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and serve cold. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

SPRING VEGETABLE ORZO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a medium saucepan full of water to a boil. Turn off the burner, add in asparagus pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes. While the asparagus is in the water, heat one tablespoon olive oil in a small sauté pan. Add in shallots and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until tender. Drain the asparagus and rinse with cool water.
• In a large bowl add cooked orzo pasta, asparagus pieces and sautéed shallots and garlic. Drain artichoke hearts and quarter them, adding them to the bowl. Add in sun-dried tomatoes with oil and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
• In a small bowl or container, whisk together lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper. While continuously whisking, slowly pour olive oil into the vinegar. Once emulsified, stir the dressing into the salad. Move to the refrigerator for at least 5 hours for flavors to combine. Serve cold.

SPRING ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold water, and drain. Set aside.
• Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray, and place over medium heat. Add shallots, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until shallots are soft. Raise heat to medium-high, stir in mushrooms, and cook 5 minutes.
• Add asparagus, and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, or until asparagus are crisp-tender. Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
• To make Vinaigrette: Whisk together all ingredients in small bowl until emulsified. Place pasta, vegetables, and vinaigrette in large bowl, and stir to combine. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, if desired.