Caesar Orzo with Asparagus
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and creamy Caesar Orzo with Asparagus! Combining the tender bite of orzo pasta with crisp, sautéed asparagus, this dish is dressed in a luscious and tangy homemade Caesar dressing made with Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and a hint of anchovy for that signature umami kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and versatile option for any meal—serve it warm as a main dish, or chilled for a refreshing pasta salad. Garnished with crunchy croutons and fresh parsley, this recipe is packed with flavor and texture while remaining light and effortless. Perfect for springtime gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this Caesar Orzo with Asparagus is a must-try for pasta salad enthusiasts!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup croutons (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
While the orzo cooks, rinse the asparagus and trim off the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus and sauté for 3–5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and set aside.
To prepare the Caesar dressing, whisk together the grated Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, black pepper, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sautéed asparagus, and Caesar dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
Transfer the orzo mixture to a serving dish. Garnish with croutons and parsley if desired.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Caesar Orzo with Asparagus!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
596 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.2 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 661 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.6 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 21.6 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 207 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 453 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
