Lemon Orzo Salad With Asparagus Spinach And Feta Vanilla And Bean Recipes

LEMON ORZO

Steps:

• Simmer 1 cup orzo in a saucepan with 2 1/2 cups water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 2 strips lemon zest, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. Stir in 2 chopped scallions, the juice of 1 lemon, and salt to taste.

ORZO WITH SPINACH, TOMATOES AND LEMON

Steps:

• Cook Orzo according to package directions, until just al dente.
• Mince garlic, add to lemon juice, salt and pepper in small bowl.
• Whisk olive oil into lemon juice mixture.
• Drain orzo, place in large bowl.
• Add spinach leaves and cherry tomaotes to orzo, toss.
• Add olive oil/lemon juice dressing and toss to coat.
• Serve immediately or chill for later.

LEMON ORZO SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring 2 large pots of water to boil. Add a big pinch of salt in each.
• To one pot, add asparagus and blanch, about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Place blanched asparagus in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep them green.
• To the second pot, add the orzo. Cook per package instructions. When tender, drain and place in a large bowl. Add blanched asparagus and tomato halves.
• Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir into orzo and vegetables. Stir in parsley and grated Parmigiano Reggiano (omit the cheese to make this vegan.)
• This can be served warm, room temperature or cold.

LEMONY ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS AND GARLIC BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions. Two minutes before the orzo is done, add the asparagus. Drain the orzo and asparagus. Wipe out and reserve the pot.
• While the orzo and asparagus cook, make the dressing: In a large bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons oil and the lemon zest and juice; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the drained orzo and asparagus and toss to coat. Set aside while you toast the bread crumbs.
• In the reserved pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add the panko and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in the garlic and season with salt and pepper.
• Stir the Parmesan and herbs into the orzo, taste, then season with salt, pepper and additional lemon juice, if desired. Top with the toasted bread crumbs and more Parmesan if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature.

LEMON ORZO SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Bring six cups of water and chicken stock to a boil.
• Cook Orzo for 7 minutes (al dente).
• Drain pasta and stir in the colander to release moisture and heat for approximately 2-3 minutes.
• In a large bowl mix/incorporate fresh herbs (rosemary, basil, parsley), oil, soy, salt, granulated lemon, and salt.
• Add the cooked orzo (should still be quite warm) and stir until orzo is coated evenly.
• While the orzo is still warm add spinach and pine nuts.
• salt to taste.
• Add tomatoes if you like.

LEMON ORZO WITH BABY SPINACH AND FETA

Steps:

• Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Reserve.
• Heat a large heavy bottomed, wide-surfaced sauté pan, until very hot.
• Reduce heat to medium-high. Add vegetable oil and sliced onions. Cook onions on high for about 10 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more oil if pan becomes dry. Reduce heat to medium-low, add garlic and continue to cook for another 20 minutes until golden.
• In a large bowl, combine reserved orzo with green onions, feta cheese, baby spinach, mint, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss to mix. Add caramelized onion and garlic mixture.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Can be made 2 days in advance. Keep refrigerated until serving.

ORZO SALAD WITH SPINACH AND FETA

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar, garlic, and pepper together. Slowly add olive oil until it begins to thicken and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl toss pasta, olives, onions, celery, spinach, nuts, and feta cheese until fully combined.
• Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are covered. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
• Tip: toast pine nuts on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven or in a non stick sauté pan over medium heat until golden brown. Be careful not to burn.