Amazing Orzo Salad

I'm a huge fan of all kinds of salads. Fresh, healthy, and so delicious! Not to mention so easy to make ahead. Last weekend I had the honor of hosting our favorite little man's 3'd birthday party in our garden. SO. much. fun! There were big blow up dinosaurs, a table set with dinosaurs wearing party hats, family and presents galore. This amazing Orzo Salad is a perfect everyday and special day meal. The birthday boy decided to get the party started by opening his gifts first…but then who can say no to that - with a three year old little boy with the sweetest smile in the universe? Since our weather can't decide if it's still summer or fall, I opted for my "go to" Orzo Salad, my favorite Chicken Marbella, and a huge tossed salad with my Champagne Mustard Dressing. This orzo salad is so delicious, and so easy to make. All you have to do is cook the orzo, sauté fresh asparagus, cut tomatoes, squeeze some lemon juice and mix up the vinaigrette and you are done! Delicious Orzo Salad 12 - 16 oz. orzo 1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut into small pieces {1" or so} 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved, or larger tomatoes cut up 1 lemon, zested and juiced 4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced {I add more garlic about 3-4 cloves} 2 Tbs. fresh parsley, minced Kosher salt Fresh ground pepper Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese DIRECTIONS: 1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, and add a little salt. Add the orzo, and cook per package instructions. When tender, drain and place in a large bowl. 2. Heat some olive oil in a pan, add cut asparagus stalks and cook til just tender, not soggy. 3. Cut tomatoes, and add asparagus and tomatoes to the orzo. 4. In another bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir this dressing into orzo and vegetables, add parsley and stir. 5. Right before serving, add plenty of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and mix in, top with some of the cheese. {I use the kind Trader Joe's sells that has large shavings} Amazing! You can serve this cold, I love it most at room temperature. Great as a side salad, you could add some chicken and call it a meal. Always a hit, this will become one of your favorites. Sometimes I use those smaller tomatoes "on the vine" because they are just so delicious when they are in season. You just cut them into small pieces. Fresh lemons and garlic cloves make this dressing divine! Your family will love this recipe. Your friends will love this recipe. YOU will love this recipe! Add a cup of soup, and it's a perfect dinner. Sign up {above right} to get the FrenchGardenHouse Blog and receive more decorating ideas, recipes, antiques, and French style via your in-box. Don't miss a post!