orzo and shrimp salad with asparagus

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 12 extra-large shrimp
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 quarts water
• 8 ounces orzo pasta
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons honey mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Ready Time: 2 hrs 40 mins


• peel shrimp, reserving the shells. in a skillet over medium heat, cook the garlic and shrimp in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring frequently to keep the garlic from browning. when shrimp are cooked through, remove from heat, cool and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• bring water to a boil in a dutch oven over high heat. add shrimp shells, boil for 5 minutes, then strain out shells and discard. stir in the orzo and cook for 5 minutes. stir in the asparagus pieces and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, about 4 minutes. drain into a mesh sieve, and rinse in cold water.
• toss pasta and asparagus with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, shrimp, and green onions until evenly coated. in a separate bowl, whisk the vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and basil until incorporated. pour over pasta mixture and toss well; season to taste with salt and pepper. chill for 2 hours.