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+ servings
Spring Orzo Salad

Bright and Flavorful Spring Orzo Salad for Fresh Seasons

This Spring Orzo Salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish packed with fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients, perfect for spring.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 1 cup Orzo A hearty foundation for the salad; use gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
  • 1 bunch Asparagus Trim the woody ends for the best bite.
  • 1 can Creamy Butter Beans Adds protein and richness; swap with cannellini beans for variety.
  • 1 can Artichoke Hearts Canned or jarred varieties are convenient.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Essential for roasting and drizzling; replace with avocado oil for a lighter flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Honey A touch of sweetness for the dressing; maple syrup can be a vegan substitute.
  • 3 tbsp Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed for vibrant acidity that brightens the dish.
For the Fresh Flavor
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Fresh herb that enhances the salad; basil or cilantro can offer a unique twist.
  • 1 tbsp Dill Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking sheet
  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Rinse the fresh asparagus under cold water, then trim off the tough ends and slice into 1-inch pieces. Spread on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat well. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, roughly 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy butter beans, chopped artichoke hearts, chopped parsley, and dill. Gently fold to mix.
  5. Add the roasted asparagus and cooked orzo to the bowl. Gently toss to combine.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, honey, and lemon juice. Heat over low-medium heat, whisking continuously until frothy and well blended.
  7. Pour the warm vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  8. Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a quick meal prep, roast the asparagus and cook the orzo a day ahead. Just combine and dress right before serving for optimal freshness.

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