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Home » side dish » Asparagus Orzo with Lemon

Asparagus Orzo with Lemon

Published: May 2, 2021 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Louisa Clements · This post may contain affiliate links

This post may contain affiliate links

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20 minutes 0 Comment

Enjoy this simple and fast dish, ready in just 20 minutes; lemony orzo with asparagus and feta. Finish off with some fresh herbs for a light side dish.

A serving of asparagus orzo in a black bowl.

I love cooking with orzo pasta, it’s such a fun shape that can be used in so many kinds of dishes. This recipe is a vegetarian spring pasta dish that can be eaten warm or cold–both preparations work here.

The asparagus gets added to the orzo during the last two minutes of cooking, so it keeps a little bit of its bite but is perfectly tender. And you’ll only have one pot to wash–my kind of recipe!

The key to cooking the asparagus and orzo this way together is to slice the asparagus along the bias into small pieces that almost mimic the shape of the orzo. This means they’ll cook during the last two minutes of the orzo’s cook time.

Closeup of orzo in a black bowl.

I’ve also tested this recipe adding cooked bacon bits, and it’s delicious, so adding some bacon is definitely an option or try this recipe for orzo with bacon and asparagus or my bacon and asparagus frittata.

I’ve included a few of my favourite asparagus flavour pairings in here. First in the dressing of this dish which is a bright and punchy lemon, olive oil and garlic dressing. A simple vinaigrette–sans vinegar.

Lemon is a favourite companion for asparagus so I love amping up the flavour and adding both lemon zest and juice in this dish.

Two bowls of orzo.

Similarly, the tangy, salty bite of feta is something that keeps this dish light and makes every bite a little bit different. You could also use parmesan cheese here, but if you enjoy feta, you’ll want to reach for that.

I’ve added tomatoes as I love the way they burst when you get one in a bite, and finishing with some fresh herbs (basil, parsley or dill would be great here) is one of my favourite tips for taking a dish up to the next level, with zero effort.

Simple, fresh and flavourful!

A serving of asparagus orzo in a black bowl.

Asparagus Orzo with Lemon

Author: Louisa Clements
4.6 from 5 votes
Asparagus is one of the best spring vegetables! Enjoy this simple and fast dish, ready in just 20 minutes; lemony orzo with asparagus and feta. Finish off with some fresh herbs for a light side dish.
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Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
servings icon
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 small clove garlic, grated
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ⅓ cup orzo
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut into ¼" pieces on the bias
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup feta
  • 1 tbsp minced herbs, like basil, parsley or dill

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk lemon zest and juice with olive oil, garlic and salt.
  • Bring 7 cups of salted water to a boil, add orzo and cook according to package directions. During the last two minutes of cooking, add asparagus. Drain and toss with prepared dressing.
  • Add tomatoes and feta and serve.
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + rating and let me know what you think!
Filed Under: easy, Pasta, quick recipes, side dish, Spring, vegetarian
Nutrition Facts
Asparagus Orzo with Lemon
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 8mg3%
Sodium 269mg12%
Potassium 608mg17%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 1495IU30%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Calcium 100mg10%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any specific dietary concerns, please consult with your healthcare practitioner.

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Hi, I'm Louisa Clements & welcome to Living Lou. I've been creating simple, fresh & flavorful recipes for the modern kitchen for 12 years.
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