Asparagus Orzo Salad
This asparagus orzo salad is the perfect way to celebrate spring! Tender roasted asparagus and bell peppers blend beautifully with the freshly cooked orzo, spring veggies, and an herby dill vinaigrette that seeps flavor into every bite. Since it's served cold, you can easily make it ahead of time as an easy side dish for holidays, special occasions, or your weekly meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 2 bunches fresh asparagus ends trimmed
- 5 baby bell peppers orange and yellow
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup frozen peas defrosted
- 3 Persian cucumbers chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup vegan feta cheese optional
For dressing:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions white and green parts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Place asparagus and whole peppers on a sheet pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss and spread in a single layer.
- Roast for 20 minutes in oven.
- Cook orzo according to package. Rinse with cold water and drain. Drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking then reserve for salad assembly.
- Make Dressing by adding to a small bowl or jar, the vinegar, olive oil, mustard, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk until well combined. Then add the dill and green onions and mix well.
- Once asparagus and peppers are roasted, let them cool enough to handle them without burning yourself.
- Cut the asparagus into bite sized pieces. Remove stems and larger seeds from the baby peppers and chop small.
- To a large salad bowl add the pasta, asparagus and peppers, peas, cucumbers, tomatoes and half the feta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix it well.
- Garnish with the remaining feta and serve.
- Enjoy within 3 days for best quality.
Nutrition
Calories: 604kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 15gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 353mgPotassium: 707mgFiber: 8gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2243IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 5mg
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