Lemon Orzo Salad With Asparagus And Tomatoes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

12 ounces orzo pasta
1 bunch fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pint grape tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated (optional)

Preparation

Bring 2 large pots of water to boil. Add a big pinch of salt in each.
To one pot, add asparagus and blanch, about 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Place blanched asparagus in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and keep them green.
To the second pot, add the orzo. Cook per package instructions. When tender, drain and place in a large bowl. Add blanched asparagus and tomato halves.
Mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir into orzo and vegetables. Stir in parsley and grated Parmigiano Reggiano (omit the cheese to make this vegan.)
This can be served warm, room temperature or cold.