Description

This Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Creamy Basil Vinaigrette offers a blend of fresh vegetables and delightful flavors in every bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy side dish, it’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying!

Ingredients

Scale

2 ears of corn, husk removed
1/2 pound asparagus
1 cup snap peas
1 cup orzo or your favorite high-protein pasta
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch of chives, thinly sliced
2 cups arugula
1/4 cup pepitas
red pepper flakes, optional
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, roughly chopped
1 tbsp pepitas
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
2 tsp agave syrup, optional
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed

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Instructions

Clean and trim the vegetables. Cut the corn kernels from the cob. Trim the asparagus and slice into 1/4 inch pieces. Slice the snap peas at a bias.
Boil a medium pot of salted water and cook the orzo until al dente. Drain the orzo and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-low heat. Add corn, cook undisturbed for 3-4 mins, toss with salt, and sauté for another 2 mins. Transfer to the mixing bowl.
In the same pan, sauté asparagus with a pinch of salt for 3-4 mins, then add to the mixing bowl along with snap peas, chives, pepitas, and arugula.
Heat 3 tbsp of oil in the pan. Add garlic and shallot, sauté for 3-4 mins until golden. Add pumpkin seeds and toast for 2-3 mins.
Transfer the oil, garlic, shallots, and pumpkin seeds to a blender. Allow to cool, then add 1 tbsp oil, mustard, vinegar, agave, lemon zest and juice, and salt. Blend until smooth, adjusting with water if needed. Add basil and blend again until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until well coated. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately, or chill for later. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Feel free to substitute any vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
This salad can be made ahead of time and chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 260
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg