If you’re craving a dish that feels like a bright celebration of spring in every bite, this Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe is absolutely the answer. It’s a delightful combination of tender orzo pasta, crisp asparagus, salty feta, and zesty lemon that comes together in no time, making it perfect for a quick lunch or an elegant side. The fresh parsley adds that final pop of color and freshness, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat as asparagus season arrives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on just a handful of fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. From the nutty orzo pasta to the bright lemon zest and creamy feta, every component contributes beautifully to the taste, texture, and vibrant color of the dish.
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta: The perfect little pasta pearls that soak up flavors while staying tender yet slightly chewy.
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds a satisfying crispness and gorgeous green hue to brighten the dish.
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Brings a salty, tangy creaminess that makes every forkful irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A rich, fruity base that gently coats the ingredients and enhances their natural flavors.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Injects a fresh citrus lift that keeps the dish lively and balanced.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a mild, herby note to finish the dish perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and spice that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe
Step 1: Boil Water and Prepare Orzo
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil – this is your first step to perfectly cooked orzo that isn’t bland at all. Salting the water is key because it seasons the pasta from within as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook Orzo and Asparagus Together
Follow the package instructions to cook the orzo, but here’s my favorite little trick: add the asparagus pieces during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This method keeps the asparagus tender-crisp and fresh-tasting, giving a pleasant texture contrast against the soft orzo.
Step 3: Drain and Reserve Pasta Water
Drain the orzo and asparagus in a colander, but don’t toss out the pasta water just yet! Save a splash – this starchy water is a wonderful helper to loosen the dish and bring everything together smoothly when mixing your dressing.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in a Mixing Bowl
Transfer the warm orzo and asparagus into a mixing bowl, then add your olive oil, lemon zest, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. The warmth of the pasta slightly softens the feta, creating those delightful little pockets of creamy flavor.
Step 5: Toss Gently to Combine
Gently toss everything together using a spoon or spatula. If the mixture feels a bit dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to help the ingredients blend beautifully without becoming watery. This step is where all the flavors really start to marry.
Step 6: Serve Warm or at Room Temperature
The beauty of this Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe is its versatility – go ahead and serve it warm right after mixing, or let it come to room temperature for a lovely, Mediterranean-inspired dish that works for picnics or potlucks.
How to Serve Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra elegance and texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the top before serving. A few extra curls of lemon zest bring brightness to every bite, and a light drizzle of good quality olive oil elevates the dish’s richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This orzo salad pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken or fish for a balanced and satisfying meal. If you’re going vegetarian, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side make delightful companions that won’t overpower those fresh asparagus and feta flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by plating the orzo in individual bowls or on reusable glass jars for an outdoor party vibe. You can also serve it chilled over a bed of mixed greens or inside a hollowed-out lemon bowl for a charming presentation that’s sure to spark conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making for an even tastier next-day meal or easy lunch.
Freezing
Because feta and fresh herbs don’t always freeze well and asparagus texture softens noticeably, I do not recommend freezing this dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the orzo gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and revive the texture. Alternatively, enjoy it cold or at room temperature – either way, it tastes fantastic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen asparagus in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the asparagus well before adding it to avoid excess moisture. The cooking time might be a bit shorter since frozen asparagus is usually softer.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free small pasta or rice-shaped gluten-free grains to create a similar experience.
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Feta’s tangy, crumbly texture is what makes this dish so special, but you could try goat cheese or ricotta salata for a milder variation. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
How do I make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version of the Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe, swap out the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it completely. Boost flavor with extra lemon zest, herbs, and perhaps some toasted nuts for creaminess.
Can I add proteins to make this a main dish?
Definitely! Grilled shrimp, chicken breast, or even chickpeas would elevate this side salad to a satisfying main course. Toss your chosen protein in just before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a recipe that’s this easy, fresh, and flavorful, and the Orzo with Asparagus & Feta Recipe delivers all those qualities in spades. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings a bright pop of spring to your table and invites everyone to savor simple ingredients done right. Give it a try – I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes that makes weeknight dinners feel like special occasions.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Orzo with Asparagus & Feta recipe that combines tender orzo pasta and crisp asparagus with tangy feta cheese and fresh lemon zest. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and delivers a bright, Mediterranean-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the orzo pasta properly.
- Cook orzo and asparagus: Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the pot to blanch them until tender yet crisp.
- Drain and reserve water: Drain the orzo and asparagus in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.
- Mix ingredients: Transfer the drained orzo and asparagus to a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon zest, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss to combine: Gently toss all the ingredients together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help bind the mixture and create a cohesive texture.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm or at room temperature as a delicious main or side dish.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a little more olive oil or some crumbled feta while tossing.
- Use fresh lemon zest to enhance the bright, citrus flavor.
- Asparagus should be trimmed well to remove tough ends for better texture.
- Can be served as a vegetarian main dish or a side to grilled proteins.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and served cold or reheated gently.
