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Fresh Spring Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Fresh Spring Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe for Vibrant Gatherings

This Fresh Spring Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe features vibrant seasonal ingredients and is perfect for gatherings, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare ahead of time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Whole wheat or gluten-free options
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with neutral oil
  • 2 tablespoons Shallots Finely chopped; can substitute with yellow onions
  • 1 cup Asparagus Chopped; green beans or broccoli can be used
  • 1 cup Peas Fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups Arugula Can substitute with spinach
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Plant-based feta for vegan option
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Or substitute with white wine vinegar
  • to taste Salt & Pepper For seasoning
For the Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Can use grainy mustard for texture
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Agave Syrup Omit or use alternative sweetener if desired

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the Oil: Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
  2. Sauté Shallots: Add finely chopped shallots to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, boil salted water, add orzo pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.
  4. Sauté Asparagus: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté chopped asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, sautéed asparagus, and shallots. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
  6. Season the Salad: Gently toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add Fresh Greens: Before serving, fold in arugula gently.
  8. Serve or Rest: You can serve immediately or let it rest for 15 minutes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for meal prepping, and its flavors only deepen as it sits, making it ideal for gatherings.

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