Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus, Spinach, and Feta
We have been really busy lately, but this weekend we were able to kick back and relax, and for me, that meant spending most of my time in the kitchen. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. It was so much fun. Josh was a good sport too-he helped me create some fabulous recipes and did a lot of dishes:) One of my favorite creations was the lemon orzo salad we made on Saturday for lunch.
Orzo is a pasta that is similar to rice in shape, but a little thicker and larger. I love making pasta salads with it. Even though it was cold and snowy outside, I was in the mood for fresh, healthy, spring foods. I incorporated lemon, asparagus, and spinach-ingredients that scream spring to me. I sprinkled feta cheese on top of the salad and it was the perfect touch.
This salad is simple and fresh. I loved the crunchy asparagus with the tender, lemony orzo. The spinach added additional green goodness too. Make this salad for a light lunch or serve it as a side dish to any spring meal. You will be amazed by how easy it is to make and how delicious it is to eat.
On a side note, who is watching the big game tonight? We are. I think I might cheer for the under dogs, Butler, but I have a feeling Duke will win. Josh is making his famous hot wings. Should be a fun game.
Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus, Spinach, and Feta
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 cup orzo
Salt-about 1/2 tsp. for boiling water
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
8 asparagus spears, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup packed fresh spinach
Juice of 1 large lemon
1/3 cup feta cheese
Salt and pepper, to tasteDirections:
1. In a medium sauce pan, bring 4 cups of water to boil. Add the salt. Stir in orzo. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain orzo and set aside.
2. In a small sauce pan, saute garlic in olive oil. Add in asparagus pieces. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Stir in spinach. Cook until asparagus is tender and the spinach shrinks down.
3. Put the orzo in a medium bowl and add in the vegetables. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the orzo and vegetables. Stir. Season with salt and pepper. Taste-add more lemon juice if you wish. The lemon I used was huge, so I only needed to use one lemon. If you need more juice, go ahead.
4. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top of the salad. Serve warm. (I also liked the salad cold.)
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SaveIf you like this orzo salad, you might also like:
Spinach and Orzo Salad with Cranberries and Almonds from Aggie’s Kitchen
Orzo Super Salad from 101 Cookbooks
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Orzo Salad from Dlyn
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Looks delicious! So springy – I can’t wait to make it!
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Love it — I’ve done a spinach-only variation for years (with pine nuts although who can afford $28/pound non-Chinese pine nuts anymore?) but I love the idea of adding asparagus!
I love making orzo salads. This is a good one.
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Hi, I discovered your site from Pioneer Woman, and I have to tell you that I tried this recipe and LOVED it! Anything lemony is alright with me, and this was perfect. I cooked my orzo in chicken stock but only because I had some extra and wanted to use it and switched arugula for the spinach because that’s what I had. I will definitely be making this again soon in the near future! Thanks for the recipe!
Amber
twopeas replied: — April 24th, 2010 @ 8:48 am
Amber-I am glad you liked the salad. Love the changes you made. We hope to see you back:)
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Easy and delicious! I could eat the whole thing!
I tried this recipe when I saw it on Tasty Kitchen. Only, I had roasted asparagus. It was delicious! Such a great combination.
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I can’t stop eating this.
So.
Good.
Although I confess I had no orzo, so I used quinoa instead. Which is good, because every time I try to eat quinoa I end up finishing what I’ve served myself only because I don’t want to waste it and not because I enjoy it.
Not this time.
So. Freakin. Good.
Thank you thank you!
I can’t wait to eat some more tomorrow.
How much orzo? Recipe doesn’t say
Two Peas replied: — March 17th, 2012 @ 9:34 pm
1 cup orzo-it says on the first line of the recipe:)
We are obsessed with this recipe. So delicious as a side with simple grilled lemon chicken. We have made it 4 times in two weeks! Thank you for such a healthy, easy to prepare dish!
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Made for dinner tonight. I liked it, but different for kids.
I made this for dinner tonight after my 4.5 mile run and it is AMAZING! I love all the flavors. I am a HUGE fan of Asparagus, so when I saw this recipe, I automatically went out for the supplies today. I loved every bit and I have leftovers for lunch!
Cooked this tonight with some whole wheat Orzo from Fresh Market — SOOOOO DELICIOUS and QUICK! Thanks for sharing. Look forward to trying more of your recipes!!
Had this with dinner last night, and loved it
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