Description
This delightful Spring Orzo Pasta Salad features fresh vegetables, orzo pasta, and a creamy basil vinaigrette, making it a quick and tasty meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ears of corn, husk removed
- 1/2 pound asparagus
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup orzo or your favorite high-protein pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch of chives, thinly sliced
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 shallot, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp pepitas
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp agave syrup, optional
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
Instructions
- Clean and trim the vegetables: Cut the corn kernels away from the cob, slice the asparagus into 1/4 inch pieces, and thinly slice the snap peas at a bias.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-low heat and add the corn, cooking undisturbed for 3-4 mins until lightly charred. Transfer to the mixing bowl with orzo.
- In the same pan, sauté asparagus with a pinch of salt for 3-4 mins until bright green, then add to the mixing bowl. Incorporate the snap peas, chives, pepitas, and arugula.
- Add 3 tbsp of oil to the pan and sauté garlic and shallot with a pinch of salt until golden. Toast the pumpkin seeds for 2-3 mins and add to a blender.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 5 mins in the blender. Add 1 tbsp oil, mustard, vinegar, agave, lemon zest and juice, and salt. Blend until smooth, then add basil and blend again. Adjust thickness with water if needed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, mixing well until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for later. Optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Notes
The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance; just keep it chilled until serving.
For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
Feel free to customize with any of your favorite veggies!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg