Description
Mediterranean Orzo with Asparagus & Feta blends creamy pasta with crisp spring vegetables and tangy cheese. Fresh ingredients create a simple yet elegant Greek-inspired dish perfect for light lunches or side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) asparagus, spears sliced into 2-inch pieces (about 4 pieces per spear)
- 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can quartered artichoke hearts in water, drained and sliced in half again
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta
Dressing and Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Herbs and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil, add generous salt, and cook orzo for 8 minutes until perfectly tender, introducing asparagus during the final minute of cooking.
- While orzo simmers, craft a vibrant dressing by whisking together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smoothly integrated.
- Gently fold artichoke hearts into the dressing, ensuring each piece is delicately coated with the citrusy vinaigrette.
- Drain orzo and asparagus completely, then immediately transfer into the prepared dressing, tossing carefully to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Allow the pasta blend to cool slightly, then incorporate fresh dill, mint, and crumbled feta, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired medley.
- Finish the dish by scattering chopped pistachios and an additional sprinkle of feta across the top, providing delightful texture and visual appeal just before serving.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality orzo for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Quick Cooking Hack: Blanch asparagus briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Herb Freshness: Use fresh dill and mint directly from the stem for maximum aromatic intensity.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free orzo for a celiac-friendly alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg