Imagine a vibrant, light, and incredibly delicious pasta salad that captures the essence of spring in every single bite! This Spring Orzo Pasta Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Packed with crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and a zesty lemon dressing, this dish is about to become your new favorite go-to meal that will impress everyone from family gatherings to picnic potlucks.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add chopped asparagus and peas to the same pot to blanch them briefly.
- Drain the pasta and vegetables in a colander, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing.
- Add the cooled orzo, asparagus, and peas to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the salad and fold in gently to distribute.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing spring pasta salad.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - this is your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Cook the orzo al dente to prevent a mushy texture; it should have a slight bite.
- Blanching vegetables in the same pot saves time and preserves their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint before serving.
- The salad can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
