Ah, spring! The time when flowers bloom, birds sing, and our taste buds awaken to the delightful freshness of seasonal ingredients. One of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up during this vibrant season is a delightful Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Crispy Shallots. This recipe always reminds me of crisp sunny afternoons spent at my dear friend Lucy’s backyard brunches, where laughter mingled with the aromas of fresh herbs and cheerful chatter floated in the air. This salad is like a celebration on a plate—it’s colorful, delicious, and bursting with seasonal flavors!
What I love most about this recipe is how wonderfully versatile it is. Whether we’re looking for a light side to accompany grilled chicken or a stand-alone dish for picnics, this orzo salad never disappoints. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to prepare! So, let’s dive right into what makes this dish a springtime favorite.
What’s in Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Crispy Shallots?
Orzo Pasta: The star of our dish! This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and has a delightful texture. I usually go for whole wheat orzo for a slightly nutty flavor, but regular works just fine!
Asparagus: Fresh and vibrant, asparagus adds a lovely crunch to our salad. Be sure to cut it into 1-inch pieces so it’s easy to eat.
Peas: Sweet and poppable, these little green gems offer a burst of springtime sweetness. Fresh peas are fantastic if you can find them, but frozen peas yield great results, too—just thaw them first!
Mint Leaves: Mint compliments the dish beautifully, lending a refreshing note that’s oh-so-springy. Chop them finely so every bite feels like a minty hug.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, crumbled feta brings a savory depth that balances the freshness of the other ingredients. I always opt for high-quality feta for the best flavor.
Shallots: When sautéed until crispy, shallots add an irresistible crunch and a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Olive Oil: This acts as the dressing base that brings everything together. I love using an extra virgin variety for its rich taste.
Lemon Juice: A splash of zesty lemon juice brightens the entire dish and enhances all the fresh flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential! A pinch of salt and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper tie all the flavors together.
Is Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Crispy Shallots Good for You?
Let’s chat about the health perks of this delightful salad! The combination of fresh vegetables like asparagus and peas brings a wealth of vitamins and minerals—think vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants which are all great for our health.
Orzo: While it’s a pasta, and thus higher in carbs, choosing whole wheat can increase fiber content, helping to keep you fuller longer.
Asparagus and Peas: Both are low in calories but high in nutrients, making them fantastic summertime additions. They also provide a good dose of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for our digestive systems.
Mints and Feta: Mint not only freshens your breath but is also packed with vitamins A and C, while feta gives you some protein and calcium.
So, what’s not to love about this salad? Just keep an eye on the portion size with the feta—while it’s delicious, it can add quite a bit of sodium!
Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen peas, thawed)
– 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 shallots, thinly sliced
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
*This recipe serves about 4-6 people—perfect for a gathering or meal prep for the week!*
How to Make Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Crispy Shallots?
1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down, then set aside.
2. In a small pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced shallots and sauté until they become golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, asparagus, peas, and chopped mint. This is where the magic starts to happen!
4. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and lemon juice over the salad—a little pour and toss magic here. Gently toss everything together and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Feel free to taste along the way; cooking is all about what makes your palate happy!
5. Now, fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This is the moment where it gets really tasty.
6. Top the salad with the crispy shallots just before serving to maintain that wonderful crunch!
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Either way, this is one salad you won’t want to miss out on!
Crunchy Tidbits of Joy
– If you want to get a little adventurous, try adding other seasonal veggies like bell peppers or roasted cherry tomatoes. They lend some extra color and flavor!
– Want a protein boost? Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
– Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) are excellent for lunch the next day—just keep the shallots separate to maintain their crunch.
I can’t wait for you to try this Spring Orzo Pasta Salad with Crispy Shallots! It’s bound to steal the spotlight at every gathering and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Give it a whirl, share your thoughts, and let’s celebrate the lovely flavors of spring together! 
