Description

This Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Creamy Basil Vinaigrette is bursting with fresh ingredients like corn, asparagus, and snap peas. It’s a simple yet delicious option for a quick dinner or a healthy meal that can be enjoyed any time. Perfect for food lovers who appreciate easy, homemade recipes!

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
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch of chives, thinly sliced
2 cups arugula
1/4 cup pepitas
red pepper flakes, optional
1 tsp kosher salt
4 garlic cloves
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, slice asparagus into 1/4 inch pieces, and trim and slice the snap peas.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil, add corn, and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Toss with salt and sauté until lightly charred. Transfer to the bowl with orzo.
In the same pan, add asparagus with a pinch of salt and sauté until bright green. Add to the bowl.
Add snap peas, chives, pepitas, and arugula to the bowl.
Add 3 tbsp of oil to the pan, sauté garlic and shallot until golden, then add pumpkin seeds and toast. Transfer to a blender and cool.
Blend the oil, garlic, shallots, pumpkin seeds, mustard, vinegar, agave, lemon zest, juice, salt, and basil until smooth. Adjust thickness with water if necessary.
Pour dressing over the salad and mix until fully coated. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately or chill.

Notes

For a spicier kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes to taste.
This salad can be made ahead of time; it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours!
Feel free to mix in other vegetables you have on hand for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg