A refreshing pasta dish that brings together the tender bite of orzo, the earthy brightness of roasted asparagus, and the creamy saltiness of crumbled feta. This Orzo with Asparagus & Feta is a springtime favorite that feels light, flavorful, and satisfying in all the right ways.

Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight main or a crowd-pleasing side, this dish shines for its simplicity and elegant presentation. Fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and good olive oil tie it all together, making it as delightful to eat as it is easy to prepare.

What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Stick with classic semolina orzo pasta for the perfect texture that absorbs the vinaigrette without becoming mushy. Whole wheat orzo can work too, offering a nuttier flavor and added fiber.

Ingredients for the Orzo with Asparagus & Feta

Orzo Pasta – A rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and forms the base of the dish.

Asparagus – Choose fresh, bright green asparagus spears for their tender crunch and grassy flavor.

Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds salty creaminess and a tangy contrast.

Fresh Dill & Parsley – These herbs bring a fragrant freshness that lifts the whole dish.

Lemon Juice & Zest – Adds brightness and acidity to enhance the asparagus and feta.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A rich base for the simple dressing, giving the pasta a silky coating.

Green Onions – Mildly pungent, these add subtle sharpness without overpowering.

Salt & Black Pepper – To season everything to perfection.

How To Make the Orzo with Asparagus & Feta

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim the woody ends off the asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces, and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 12–14 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. This simple vinaigrette adds brightness and helps coat the pasta evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, roasted asparagus, crumbled feta, chopped dill and parsley, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to combine.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Warm

You can serve this dish immediately while still warm, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold pasta salad.

Serving and Storing Orzo with Asparagus & Feta

This dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled—making it wonderfully versatile for all seasons. It’s excellent as a light lunch or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

To store leftovers, place the orzo salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again, and consider a fresh squeeze of lemon or drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata make great substitutes, offering a similar creamy and tangy element.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare it up to a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight in the fridge.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well if you want to boost the protein content.

Can I serve this dish hot?

Yes! It tastes wonderful warm right after assembly. Just don’t add the feta until the end to prevent melting.

Do I need to roast the asparagus?

Roasting gives a caramelized flavor, but you can also blanch or sauté it for a quicker option.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you loved this Orzo with Asparagus & Feta, here are a few other bright and satisfying pasta creations worth trying:

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for a heartier comfort dish.
Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce with savory richness.
Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for a pop of vibrant flavor.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight when you crave indulgence.
Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet for another take on orzo you’ll love.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add grilled chicken? Extra herbs? Try a balsamic glaze on top?

I love seeing your variations and tips. Share your experience below and let’s inspire each other to cook beautifully and simply.

Orzo with Asparagus & Feta

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A light and flavorful dish perfect for spring or summer meals. Orzo pasta is tossed with roasted asparagus, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. It works as a hearty side or refreshing main.

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo until al dente, then drain and rinse under cool water.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss chopped asparagus with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 12–14 minutes until tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine orzo, roasted asparagus, feta, dill, parsley, and green onions. Pour in dressing and toss gently.
Serve warm or chilled. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner