Roasted Asparagus Orzo
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Summer is made for recipes that can be served hot or cold and are packed with fresh vegetables. This roasted asparagus orzo is perfect for a dinner side, a light lunch or as your newest dish for a potluck.
I can never resist fresh asparagus when I find it at the store. When it is roasted, it tastes especially amazing. Toss it with some orzo and a few other ingredients and you have an amazing side dish no one will be able to resist.
For my roasted asparagus orzo, I always try to find asparagus that has larger stalks and tips. It handles the high heat from roasting better than a slim stalk.
Michigan asparagus is a “Clean 15” food, meaning it has a low pesticide load and is one of the safest conventionally grown crops to consume. That means I can save a little money at the store because I don’t need to buy organic.
Asparagus, on its own, has no fat, no cholesterol, and very little sodium. Whether roasted, grilled or cooked another way, you know it will be delicious.
Roasted Asparagus Orzo Ingredients
- Lemon Juice – I recommend using fresh squeezed lemon juice if possible.
- Olive Oil
- Dijon Mustard
- Fresh Garlic
- Orzo
- Salt and Pepper – You’ll use the salt in the water for the orzo and then also for seasoning the dish.
- Asparagus
- Chickpeas – Use the canned version for ease.
- Crumbled Goat Cheese – You could substitute feta here if you prefer.
This orzo makes a fantastic side dish for dinner or to take along to a potluck or BBQ. I also add chicken or tuna for a light lunch that is so tasty.
How to Make Roasted Asparagus Orzo
This recipe is pretty simple and comes together in just a few steps. The full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card but here is a quick overview.
- Make the dressing by mixing together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the orzo. Follow the package instructions, drain, and then rinse under cold water.
- While the orzo cooks, roast the asparagus.
- Combine everything in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chill until ready to eat.
More Great Asparagus Recipes
Roasted Asparagus Orzo
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Orzo
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 14 ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 2 Tbsp olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Set aside.1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic
- Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add 1 Tbsp salt and orzo. Stir. Boil for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse briefly under cold water.1 Tablespoon salt, 1 cup orzo
- Toss asparagus with 2 tsp olive oil and place on rimmed baking sheet. Roast in oven for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cut into pieces.2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 bunch asparagus
- In a large bowl, combine orzo, roasted asparagus, and chickpeas. Add dressing and toss to coat. Add goat cheese and then season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled.14 ounce can chickpeas, 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese, Salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- If you choose to chill the orzo salad, save a little of the dressing and mix it in just before serving.
- You can cut the asparagus prior to tossing with the oil and roasting. If you do, reduce the cooking time by half.
Nutrition
great post thanks
This is my kind of side dish! Love roasted asparagus!!