Orzo and Shrimp Salad with Asparagus

This is a dish that goes together quickly, can be doubled easily, and looks beautiful! Orzo , shrimp and fresh asparagus tossed with a light olive oil, lemon and basil dressing. Perfect for a warm weather picnic. Can be served chilled, at room temperature, or heated!

Recipe «Orzo and Shrimp Salad with Asparagus» presented in category Recipes / Health, to prepare this dish you will need no more 20 minutes. To make this dish at home by prescription from the author shef would need: 12 extra-large shrimp, 1 clove garlic, minced, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 quarts water, 8 ounces orzo pasta , 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 green onions, chopped , 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp honey mustard, 2 tbsp minced fresh basil, salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.