How to Make Orzo and Shrimp Salad with Asparagus - A Step-by-Step Guide

Orzo and Shrimp Salad with Asparagus is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe combines the tender and slightly nutty flavor of orzo pasta with the succulent taste of shrimp and the crispness of asparagus, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The dish is also packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients that are not only pleasing to the eye but also loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy and sa...

Read more

Ingredients

  • 12 extra-large shrimp
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 quarts water
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey mustard
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Peel shrimp, reserving the shells. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the garlic and shrimp in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring frequently to keep the garlic from browning. When shrimp are cooked through, remove from heat, cool and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Bring water to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add shrimp shells, boil for 5 minutes, then strain out shells and discard. Stir in the orzo and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the asparagus pieces and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain into a mesh sieve, and rinse in cold water.
  • Toss pasta and asparagus with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, shrimp, and green onions until evenly coated. In a separate bowl, whisk the vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and basil until incorporated. Pour over pasta mixture and toss well; season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for 2 hours.
  • Nutrition

    302 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 86mg
    • Sodium: 112mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 34g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 19g
    • Vitamin C: 8mg
    • Calcium: 72mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 342mg