Savory recipes that include strawberries are nothing new around here (see goat cheese crostini with pickled strawberries), and this orzo pasta salad is no exception. Sweet, juicy strawberries share a bowl with salty feta, spring veg, orzo, and a savory-sweet creamy poppy seed dressing that makes this entire pasta salad an unexpected delight. Whether you have meal prep goals or potluck goals, this springy salad can help you achieve both!
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I've been experimenting a lot lately with various orzo-based pasta salads featuring all the beautiful spring produce we've got to work with. All delicious experiments, of course (pasta salad's hard to mess up). But I have to say... this strawberry feta orzo salad just so happens to be my favorite. Basically, all of your upcoming summer picnics and barbecues might need it.
You've got:
- Orzo
- Strawberries
- Asparagus
- Fennel
- I threw some kale in there because I really had to use it up before it got naaaasty
- Strawberries
- Almonds
- Feta
- Tangy Poppy Seed Dressing
That's a heck of a variety of ingredients. And from that you get:
- Sweetness from the strawberries
- Tanginess from the poppy seed dressing
- Saltiness from the feta
- Crunchiness from the asparagus, almonds, and fennel
- Just about every flavor, texture, or shape you can imagine
Also, if you don't like some of the ingredients, it's easy to leave some out or swap for alternatives. While the pasta base is kinda non-negotiable, it doesn't necessarily have to be orzo (side note: I'm partial to the orzo, though). Feta, strawberries, almonds, asparagus, and the poppy seed dressing are also essentials. Well... maybe, just maybe I would negotiate the asparagus.
As for the fennel, I'd say you can leave it out. Understandably, such a unique, bold flavor is most likely either adored or despised without middle ground. And the kale is totally optional as well, because like I said, I was trying to use mine up (man that stuff can get janky in the fridge). My recommendation? Try to keep at least one green veggie in there, whether it be the asparagus, some finely shredded kale, or even arugula or mixed greens. For both flavor and health reasons.
All you really have to do is combine that stuff in a big bowl and chill in the fridge. So, like most pasta salads, it's incredibly easy. Plus it makes a LOT, so here's to all those fans of leftovers for days.
Or not. Because if you bring this as a dish to pass at a summer BBQ or picnic, it just might not last.
And we all know that's a good thing 🙂
📖 Recipe
Spring Strawberry Feta Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This strawberry feta orzo salad is light, springy, and perfect for healthy summer picnics or barbecues.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry whole wheat orzo
- 1 ½ cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup fennel, diced
- 1 cup kale, finely shredded (optional)
- ¾ cup feta
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 1 recipe tangy poppy seed dressing
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions.
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix together.
- Blend up some tangy poppy seed dressing, pour over ingredients in bowl, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Stovetop, Combine
- Cuisine: American
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