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A bright bowl of asparagus orzo salad with feta cheese and pine nuts
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Crunchy Asparagus Orzo Salad with Lemon Shallot Dressing

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 345kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 medium shallot , finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra -virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon hone y
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente.
  • Add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water during the final 2 minutes of the orzo's cooking time.
  • Drain the orzo and asparagus together in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; drain thoroughly.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the minced shallot, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Slowly whisk in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is fully emulsified.
  • Transfer the cooled orzo and asparagus to a large bowl and add the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.