Lemon Vegetable Orzo Salad
Description
This Lemon Vegetable Orzo Salad is filled with a delicious mix of flavors, textures, and garden-fresh color. Tender zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus are lightly sautéed before joining juicy grape tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and green onions. Fresh parsley and basil add an herbaceous finish, while plenty of lemon zest and juice give every bite a bright, citrusy lift.Â
The warm orzo is tossed with the simple lemon-and-olive-oil dressing so it can soak up all that fresh flavor before the vegetables and herbs are folded in. Served slightly chilled or at room temperature, it’s a beautiful choice for picnics, potlucks, summer gatherings, or a fresh and colorful lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Pasta
In a large pot, bring 5 quarts of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
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Add the orzo pasta to the water and cook for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Dressing
Zest and juice the lemons into a small mixing bowl, then whisk in the olive oil.
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Sauté Vegetables
Sauté the zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus in a large skillet with a tiny bit of oil until slightly tender and set aside.
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Combine
Drain the pasta, add it to a large bowl, and toss it with the lemon dressing.
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Add the sautéed vegetables to the pasta, then set them aside to cool while you move on to the next step.
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Chop Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Chop the tomatoes and peppers, and slice the green onion. Chop the flat-leaf parsley and the basil.
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Combine
Fold in the chopped vegetables and herbs.
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Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1.5 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 1.4g7%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Potassium 510mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 49.5g17%
- Dietary Fiber 4.5g18%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 9.5g19%
- Vitamin A 88 mcg
- Vitamin C 46 mg
- Calcium 53 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin E 2.5 mg
- Vitamin K 75 mcg
- Vitamin B6 0.25 mg
- Folate 125 mcg
- Magnesium 43 mg
- Zinc 1.2 mg
- Selenium 28 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
