Simply Healthy Meals | Lemon Orzo with Asparagus and Dill

This delicious lemony orzo is the ultimate quick and easy meal. It is perfect for a light spring dinner, can be served alongside your favorite protein, and the leftovers (if you have any) make the BEST lunch. The asparagus cooks right in with the orzo, then together they get tossed in a bright lemon dressing. The garlic breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch. The entire dish is ready in under 30 minutes, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Recipe:

1 cup orzo

1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces

5 Tbsp olive oil (divided)

juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1 clove of garlic minced

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

1/2 cup fresh dill, basil, or parsley (or any combination) roughly chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil

Add the orzo and cook according to the package directions. Add asparagus during the last two minutes of cooking time.

While the orzo cooks, make the lemon dressing; whisk the lemon juice with 3 Tbsp of the olive oil, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Once the orzo and asparagus are done cooking, drain, then toss with the lemon dressing. Stir in the cheese and herbs and season to taste with salt and pepper.

To make the breadcrumbs, heat the remaining oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and garlic. Stir and cook until golden brown and fragrant (about 3 minutes)

Top the orzo with the breadcrumbs and serve with extra Parmesan