This lemon orzo with asparagus and tomatoes is a fresh, simple side dish for spring or summer. The orzo is toasted in butter, cooked in broth, and tossed with lemon, olive oil, parsley, asparagus, and juicy tomatoes.
Serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, steak, or vegetables.
Orzo works well as a side dish because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor from broth, lemon, herbs, and dressing.
Ingredients for Lemon Orzo:
Orzo – Toasting the orzo in butter before adding broth gives it more flavor and helps keep it from clumping together.
Lemon dressing – Olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley add brightness after the orzo cooks.
Vegetables – Cherry or grape tomatoes add freshness, while cooked asparagus makes this a spring or summer side dish. Grilled or roasted asparagus also works well.
How to Make Lemon Orzo with Asparagus and Tomatoes
Many orzo recipes call for boiling the pasta in water and draining it. For more flavor, this recipe toasts the orzo in butter first, then cooks it in broth.
- First, toast the orzo in butter. Then cook it in chicken broth so the pasta absorbs more flavor as it softens.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the warm orzo with the lemon dressing, asparagus, and tomatoes so everything is evenly coated.
Make Ahead and Storage:
- Make ahead: This lemon orzo can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, so it can be made several hours ahead of time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve cold or reheat gently in the microwave.
Lemon Orzo with Asparagus and Tomatoes
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A fresh lemon orzo side dish made with asparagus, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, and a bright lemon dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 16 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bunch asparagus, cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the orzo and cook, stirring often, until it begins to turn golden, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds.
- Slowly add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the cooked orzo and stir to combine. Fold in the asparagus and tomatoes.Â
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
LEMON ORZO WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES
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Excellent recipe! I used only one cup of orzo. Thinking it could be a main dish by adding some shrimp. So tasty!
Was a huge hit! Paired it with your grilled chicken recipe. Kids loved it!
this is such an easy side dish to make and everyone loved it. I loved how it can be served at room temp. I made it before grilling my chicken and just let it sit on the table. it was perfect.
This was excellent! I roasted my asparagus. Added some Parmesan cheese to the dish after plating
this was good. would be nice if the recipe was updated with where the garlic goes (It goes in after the butter is melted with the orzo.).
thanks Tiffany. I updated the recipe card.
It's one of those recipes that you can use whatever you have on hand. I had no asparagus, so I used spinach and used up my end of season grape tomatoes. Delish!
Hi!! I don't know if you remember me but I was your waitress at Max and Erma's a few weeks ago. I looked at the sight and started doing a few recipes and they are DELICIOUS! Maybe one day I can go completely un-processed, but I'm taking my slow steps there. Thank you SO much for sharing your blog with me!
Of course I remember you Jessica! As a matter of fact my daughter saw you in the parking lot of Meijer's the other day and mentioned how much she enjoyed talking with you! So glad you checked out the website and even happier you are living a healthy lifestyle!