Lemon Herb Orzo Spring Salad
This Lemon Herb Orzo Spring Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for celebrating the freshness of spring. Packed with tender orzo pasta, crisp asparagus, sweet carrots, and infused with a zesty lemon dressing, this salad brings a burst of flavors to your table. Ideal for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side dish for any gathering, it's both healthy and satisfying.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon zest
1 tablespoon (none)
lemon juice
1/2 cup (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
red onion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
orzo pasta
1 lb (none)
asparagus
8 ounces (ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
shredded carrots
2 cups (bagged)
fresh dill or parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, water, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined to make the dressing.
2
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the dressing and let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
4
Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water. Return to a boil and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
5
Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus pieces and shredded carrots to the pot with the orzo to blanch the vegetables quickly.
6
Once the pasta and vegetables are tender yet firm, drain them and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly.
7
Transfer the cooked orzo, asparagus, and carrots to the bowl with the lemon dressing and onions. Toss gently to combine and ensure everything is coated with the dressing.
8
Add the fresh dill or fresh parsley, and stir gently to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the salad.
9
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop further. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lemon Herb Orzo Spring Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp asparagus, sweet carrots, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for spring.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary vegetables in this salad?
The main vegetables are asparagus, shredded carrots, and red onion.
How do I prepare the lemon dressing?
Whisk together 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced, specifically 1/2 cup of it.
Why should I marinate the red onion in the dressing?
Marinating the onion while preparing other ingredients allows the flavors to meld and softens the onion's bite.
How much orzo pasta is required?
You will need 1 lb of orzo pasta.
What is the best way to cook the orzo for this salad?
Cook the orzo in lightly salted boiling water until it is al dente, according to the package instructions.
How is the asparagus prepared for the salad?
The ends should be trimmed and the stalks cut into 1-inch pieces.
Can I use store-bought shredded carrots?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of bagged shredded carrots.
When do I add the asparagus and carrots to the pot?
Add the asparagus and carrots to the boiling water with the orzo three minutes before the pasta is finished cooking.
What is the purpose of blanching the vegetables with the pasta?
Blanching the asparagus and carrots briefly ensures they are tender yet firm and vibrant in color.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta and vegetables in cold water?
Rinsing under cold running water stops the cooking process and prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
Which fresh herbs are recommended for this salad?
You can use 1/2 cup of chopped fresh dill or fresh parsley.
How long can I refrigerate the salad before serving?
You can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop further.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, its refreshing nature and easy transportability make it ideal for picnics.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How much lemon juice is needed for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
Does the dressing contain sugar?
Yes, it contains 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the acidity of the lemon.
Is the salad healthy?
Yes, the description identifies the salad as a healthy and satisfying option.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Is the salt and pepper measurement specific?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, it is suitable for a light lunch, though it also works well as a side dish.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the lemon zest, juice, water, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
How much water is added to the dressing?
1/2 cup of water is added to the dressing mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spring, orzo, lemon, herb, asparagus, carrots, healthy, picnic, and refreshing.
How should the orzo and vegetables be mixed with the dressing?
Transfer them to the bowl with the dressing and onions and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
What size should the asparagus be cut into?
The asparagus should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
How much lemon zest is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.