Hot or Cold Pasta Salad

This recipe was given to me at my "ladies" wedding shower in my Mom's neighborhood. The shower was cooking themed and everyone gave me their favorite recipe. This is one of my absolutely favorites. I've made it multiple times since it was gifted to me. It's absolutely delicious warm, at room temperature or cold.

Hot or Cold Pasta Salad

Serves: 6

1 lb asparagus

6 oz orzo

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest - I used dried lemon peel from Penzy's Spices.

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 cup shredded parmesan
2 tablespoons dried cranberries

salt and pepper

• Cook orzo according to package instructions.
• Chop off the rough ends of the asparagus. Line asparagus in a baking pan and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes or until just tender. If you let it cook a bit too long, make sure the orzo is completely cool before blending the two.
• In the olive oil, cook the garlic until fragrant and brown.
• Mix all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Taste and add seasonings as needed. I usually find the need to add a little more lemon juice and a little more cheese.