Spring Roasted Asparagus and Bacon Orzo Salad
Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate the season of fresh produce than with a delightful dish that brings together the best of both worlds: Roasted Asparagus and Bacon Orzo Salad.
This pasta salad features tender-crisp asparagus, crispy bacon, tangy feta, and perfectly cooked orzo all mingling together in one bowl of pure bliss. This salad recipe is not only ridiculously tasty but also a breeze to whip up, making it a prime candidate for your next Spring lunch or dinner.
Picture this: vibrant green asparagus spears, roasted to perfection and mingling with savory bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbly feta cheese, all tossed together with tender orzo pasta and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. It’s a flavor explosion in every forkful, hitting all the right notes of salty, tangy, and fresh.
What makes this Asparagus and Bacon Orzo Salad healthy?
Not only is this pasta salad bursting with flavor, but it’s also packing some serious nutritional punch. Asparagus brings a hefty dose of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, while bacon adds a savory kick without going overboard on calories. Plus, with olives and olive oil in the mix, you’re getting those heart-healthy fats and antioxidants to boot. It’s a win-win situation for your taste buds and your body!
Why you’ll love this recipe for Asparagus and Bacon Orzo Pasta Salad
Let’s break it down: minimal prep time, simple ingredients, maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a springtime soirée or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this salad has got you covered. Plus, it’s versatile – enjoy it warm or cold, as a side dish or a standalone meal. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
RELATED: Spring Asparagus Salad with Radishes – This delicious Spring salad recipe features a bed of spinach greens, tender asparagus, and crisp radishes, all tossed in a light and flavorful dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this salad is sure to impress!
Ingredients you’ll need for this Pasta Salad
Gather round, salad enthusiasts! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pasta salad
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lb asparagus
- 6 slices of bacon
- ¼ shallot, diced
- ½ pitted kalamata olives
- ½ cup feta
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
For the salad dressing
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
How to make this SPring Asparagus Salad
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions, then cool and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sauté the asparagus until slightly browned, then set aside to cool.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Assemble the salad by tossing all the ingredients together with the dressing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Make this Spring Pasta Salad recipe, then check out my Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad and more of my Spring Salad recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this pasta salad recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the orzo for your favorite pasta shape.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
You sure can! Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon, and you’ve got yourself a delicious vegetarian option.
Can I add extra veggies?
Go for it! This salad is super versatile, so feel free to toss in any extra veggies you have on hand.
How long will this Spring salad keep in the fridge?
This salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
This Asparagus and Bacon Orzo Salad is a true springtime delight. Bursting with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and oh-so-easy to make, it’s the perfect addition to your salad repertoire. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious and healthy dish. Happy salad-making, friends!
🍂 CELEBRATE Fall with
12+ Easy Fall Salad Recipes
From vibrant harvest quinoa creations to soul-soothing butternut squash medleys, delve into these tasty fall salads that capture the very essence of fall.
Other Spring salad recipes to try
- Spring Asparagus Salad with Radishes
- Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad
- Spring Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
Asparagus and Bacon Orzo Salad Recipe
A vibrant Spring salad with green asparagus spears, roasted to perfection and mingling with savory bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbly feta cheese, all tossed together with tender orzo pasta and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. It's a flavor explosion in every forkful, hitting all the right notes of salty, tangy, and fresh.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lb asparagus
- 6 slices of bacon
- ¼ shallot, diced
- ½ pitted kalamata olives
- ½ cup feta
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degree F and bring a pot of water to boil.
- Place bacon on a foil lined sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes or until crisp. Place cooked bacon on a paper towel to drain excess grease and cut into small bite size pieces.
- While bacon is in the oven, cook orzo according to the package. Once done, drizzle 1 Tbsp olive oil on the orzo so it doesn’t stick together and spread out on a sheet pan or plate to cool.
- Meanwhile, trim the thick ends of the asparagus and toss out. Cut remaining stalks into 1 inch pieces and saute with 1 Tbsp of oil on medium heat until just slightly brown. Approximately 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Once everything has slightly cooled, assemble the salad, drizzle the dressing, toss and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 398Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 531mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 15g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.
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