Lemon-Mustard Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Asparagus – this spring salad with orzo, shrimp, and asparagus is filling, but light. Perfect for a potluck or dinner at home.
Asparagus! It’s in season again. Yay!
I’m told that asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and spinach are all bitter. Either my taste buds are shot, or I must like bitter food. Because I love all of those…asparagus at the top of the list.
There’s an asparagus festival every year about an hour from me. It was this past weekend, actually! But, alas, I missed it again for the 47th time. GAH! *stomps feet*
Since I can’t go there, I’m bringing it to me. Sort of. Ok, not really. But I made a salad!
This spring salad with orzo, shrimp, and asparagus is filling, but light. Perfect for a potluck or dinner at home.
Lemon-Mustard Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Asparagus
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons grainy mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme , chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- salt , pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 bunch asparagus , sliced into 2-inch segments
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package directions, al dente.
- In the meantime, in a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, zest, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper; whisk. While whisking, slowly add the 1/2 cup olive oil. Whisk until combined and smooth. (Reserve 2 tablespoons.)
- Drain orzo completely and toss in the large bowl with the vinaigrette. Set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and reserved vinaigrette; cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle the shrimp with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste; add to the pan. Cook for another 3 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque, and asparagus is tender. Remove from the heat and toss in the tomatoes.
- Add shrimp mixture to the the orzo and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve hot or cold.
Nutrition
Other Asparagus recipes you might like!
Asparagus Muenster Melt with Pesto Spread
Israeli Couscous with Asparagus, Peas, and Sugar Snaps
Maria Silvia Pichardo says
The lemon-mustard orzo salad with shrimp and sparagus.
This a wonderful recipt easy to follow and delicious gourmet food.
it was succsesfull during dinner time with my family.
thank you for sharing.
and congratulations to you!
Joanne says
I don’t taste any of those things as bitter either!! Just totally delicious. Bring on the asparagus! Love the flavors in this orzo salad. So fresh!
Amanda says
This looks amazing!!!
amanda @ fake ginger says
Those are all my fave veggies, too! And the only ones my kids will eat. Our tastebuds must be off!
This looks so yummy! I love those bright tomatoes!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I love asparagus!! Asparagus and spinach are probably my fave in-season veggies for spring! ok, you have to make it to that asparagus festival next year!! you have to! :) love this orzo salad! gorgeous!
Sues says
Mmm totally adding this to my must-make list! Love trying new shrimp dishes in the summer :)
Stephanie says
Love, love, LOVE this recipe! And I don’t know who thinks SPINACH of all things is bitter. Maybe my taste buds are shot, too!
Amy @Very Culinary says
My sentiments exactly!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Well then my taste buds are shot too because I love all those veggies and I want this for dinner. No really..do you deliver?
Amy @Very Culinary says
Move near me and I’ll walk a bowl over to you!
pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says
Pinned!!!!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Thanks, Pam!
Melissa says
Bitter? Hm? What?
AND SPEAKING OF SHRIMP RECIPES. :D
Amy @Very Culinary says
HA. Right?? It will come as no surprise that while I was typing that, I thought of you. Because…duh.