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Quick, Healthy Meal Ideas for Busy Families

a bowl of orzo pasta with a spoon in the bowl ready for serving sits on the table next to a bowl of lemons. the pasta is topped with peas and asparagus tips and looks very appetizing and the yaller dog sleeps peacefully

(StatePoint) What if memorable home-cooked meals didn’t have to take hours to prepare to be healthy and wholesome? By getting smart about how you stock your pantry, you can speed up food prep while still serving up flavor in every bite.

Streamlining your spice rack while eliminating the need to measure, mix or buy multiple ingredients, is the lineup of Signature Seasoning Blends by McCormick. Each seasoning blend combines expertly balanced herbs, spices, and seasonings in one convenient mix that delivers a complete flavor profile.

“Whether you’re super busy or just want to simplify meal prep, blends provide a one-step solution to bringing layered, chef-inspired flavor to everyday proteins, vegetables and grains,” says Giovanna DiLegge, vice president of marketing, U.S. Consumer, McCormick.

Bursting with bright, crisp flavors, this three-step recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad combines the savory notes of McCormick Garlic & Olive Oil Seasoning Blend with zesty lemon juice and vibrant seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup of orzo pasta

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on a diagonal into 1-inch pieces

1 cup frozen green peas

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 teaspoon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice)

4 teaspoons McCormick Garlic & Olive Oil Seasoning

8 small radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced

Instructions:
1. Bring a medium saucepot of salted water to a boil on high heat. Add asparagus; cook for 2 minutes. Remove asparagus using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool. Let it stand 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

2. While asparagus cools, add orzo to boiling water. Cook according to package directions until al dente, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Rinse under cool water. Drain completely

3. Whisk olive oil, lemon zest and juice, and Garlic & Olive Oil Seasoning in a medium bowl. Add orzo and peas, asparagus and radish, tossing to coat well.

Optional: Sprinkle with crumbled feta for an extra savory twist. Serve immediately at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate and serve chilled.

Additional Signature Seasonings include Chili Garlic, Caramelized Onion and Chimichurri, each designed to deliver complex flavor with one simple addition. For more information and recipes, visit mccormick.com