Salmon Asparagus Orzo Salad

• •
  1 cup Pasta, Orzo, White, Dry
• •
  1 tbsp Olive oil

  Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

• •
  8 oz Asparagus
• •
  4 oz Salmon, Smoked, Hot-Smoked
• •
  0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese

  Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.

• •
  0.5 cup Pine Nuts
• •
  0.3 cup Yellow Onion
• •
  3 tbsp Dill, Fresh
• •
  3 tbsp Lemon Juice, Fresh
• •
  2 tsp Mustard, Dijon

  Dijon mustard — Grey Poupon or store brand. Spicier than yellow mustard.

• •
  2 Garlic(6g)
• •
  1 tsp 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• •
  0.5 tsp 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain through a strainer and rinse with cold water until completely chilled. Set aside.
2. 2While the orzo cooks, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic (minced), olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Set the dressing aside.
3. 3Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and diced onion, then cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is crisp-tender and lightly browned at the tips. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. 4Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, 3–4 minutes until fragrant and light golden brown. Transfer to a plate immediately.
5. 5In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled orzo, cooked asparagus mixture, flaked hot-smoked salmon, toasted pine nuts, and fresh dill. Drizzle the lemon dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
6. 6Divide the salad evenly into 4 airtight containers while still cool. Top each portion with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
7. 7Seal containers and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 4 days.