Micah, you should be proud of me, I am posting a pretty healthy salad here instead of chocolate desserts. Hope you like this. It is really so good and can be served with garlic bread and sliced avacados. Instant lunch!
1 bunch asparagus, about 3 cups diced
1 Tables olive oil
1/2 onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced or 2 Table jarred garlic
12 oz orzo pasta, cooked to al dente and cooled
15 oz can artichoke hearts
1 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, julienned or chopped
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 teas kosher salt
1/2 teas fresh ground black pepper
1/3 c olive oil
Bring a medium saucepan full of water to a boil. Turn off the burner, add in asparagus pieces and blanch for 2-3 min. While the asparagus is in the water, heat one tablespoon olive oil in a small saute pan. Add in onions and garlic and saute for 1-2 min, just until tender. Drain the asparagus and rinse in cool water.
In a large bowl, add cooked orzo pasta, asparagus pieces and sauteed onions and garlic. Drain artichoke hearts and quarter them. Add them to the bowl. Add in sun-dried tomatoes with oil and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, white wine vinegar; salt and pepper. Add olive oil in a slow stream until emulsified. Stir the dressing into the salad. Move to the frig for at least 5 hours for flavors to combine. Serve cold.
