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Lemon Orzo with Asparagus and Halloumi

Lemon Orzo with Asparagus and Halloumi for Bright Spring Meals

This Lemon Orzo with Asparagus and Halloumi is a quick, delicious vegetarian dish celebrating spring flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Opt for gluten-free orzo if needed.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be replaced with any neutral oil.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Fresh Asparagus Substitute with zucchini or green beans if desired.
  • 1 can Chickpeas Cooked lentils can serve as an alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Garlic powder or shallots work well if you're out of fresh garlic.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste.
  • 1 tsp Cumin Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste.
For the Cheese
  • 8 oz Halloumi Cheese Feta can be used, but it won't fry the same way.
For the Finish
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Swap with parsley if basil isn’t handy.
  • 1 lemon Lemon Zest Always use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Always use fresh for the best flavor.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • non-stick skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo in a colander and return it to the pot. Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
  2. Slice the halloumi cheese into ½-inch thick pieces. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the halloumi slices in a single layer. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Once nicely browned, remove them from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
  3. In the same skillet you used for the halloumi, add a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the chickpeas, sprinkling with paprika and cumin, and cook for approximately 5 minutes, tossing frequently until the chickpeas are well-coated and lightly browned.
  4. To the pan with the chickpeas, add another drizzle of olive oil, along with the chopped asparagus and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender and slightly charred. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
  5. To serve, create a base with the orzo in each bowl. Layer the sautéed chickpea-asparagus mixture over the top, and finish by arranging the crispy halloumi slices artfully. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 18gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 9gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Halloumi can harden when cooled, so serve it immediately after cooking for the best texture, or add it just before serving.

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