4.6 from 540 votes
Lemon Orzo with Asparagus
This Lemon Orzo with Asparagus is a simple, yet elegant dish that could be served as a side dish or starter.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 256 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1 lemon zested
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the orzo
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1½ cup dry orzo pasta
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the lemon zest, juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a deep medium bowl. Add oil and whisk until it emulsifies a bit. Set aside.
- Snap the end pieces off the asparagus and lay the asparagus stalks in a baking dish, 9x13 inch. Pour boiling water over the asparagus (just enough to cover it), cover dish with plastic wrap and let sit until the water is warm to the touch. Drain water and cut the asparagus stalks into 2 inch pieces.
- Place the chicken broth and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the salt and turmeric and bring back to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain orzo, but do not rinse it.
- Place the hot orzo in a large bowl, add the asparagus and parsley. Whisk the dressing if needed and pour it over the salad. Mix well. Top with butter if preferred.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Boost the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze more lemon juice right before serving for an extra zing.
- Texture Twist: For added crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to swap parsley with basil or mint to change up the herbal notes.
- Make it a Meal: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
256kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Sodium
421mg
(18%)
Potassium
356mg
(10%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
787IU
(16%)
Vitamin C
20mg
(22%)
Calcium
43mg
(4%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 256
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 256kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Sodium | 421mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 356mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 787IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.