Homemade Orzo Salad Recipe made of tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing serve this hearty salad for lunch or dinner. It serves 6 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy days.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy schedule.
- Healthy and Filling: A balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs to keep you full.
- .Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy for days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A vibrant, delicious dish perfect for potlucks, lunches, or picnics.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to include veggies in a flavorful way.
âť“ What Is Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe?
Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe is a light and hearty dish made with orzo pasta, shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, nuts, and a zesty dressing. This simple, versatile salad is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or quick meals at home.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ÂĽ cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🍲 Instructions:
- Boil orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and fresh parsley on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors combine.
đź“Ť Recipe Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavorful option. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the salad, saving time on cooking.
- Incorporate Extra Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or diced avocado. They bring freshness, texture, and essential nutrients.
- Toast the Nuts for Extra Crunch: Lightly toast nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts in a skillet or oven to bring out their natural oils and deepen their flavor.
- Choose Whole Wheat Orzo for Added Health Benefits: Replace regular orzo with whole wheat orzo for a healthier option. It adds more fiber, keeps you fuller for longer, and provides a subtle nutty flavor that complements the salad.
🌮 What To Serve With Chicken Orzo Salad?
Serve Chicken Orzo Salad with crusty garlic bread, grilled chicken skewers, or a warm bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal it also pairs well with fresh fruit or a chilled lemonade.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Orzo Salad?
Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken orzo salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use any type of chicken for Chicken Orzo Salad?
Yes, you can use any type of chicken for Chicken Orzo Salad. Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, poached chicken, or leftover shredded chicken work perfectly. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken before cooking.
How do I cook orzo for Chicken Orzo Salad?
To cook orzo for Chicken Orzo Salad, boil it in salted water for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s al dente, drain it, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and let it cool completely.
Can I use any type of chicken for Chicken Orzo Salad?
Yes, you can use any type of chicken for Chicken Orzo Salad. Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, poached chicken, or leftover shredded chicken work perfectly. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken before cooking.
Is Chicken Orzo Salad healthy?
Chicken Orzo Salad is a healthy dish as it includes lean protein from the chicken, whole grains from orzo, and fresh vegetables. To make it even healthier, use whole wheat orzo and add more colorful vegetables.
How do I prevent orzo from sticking together in Chicken Orzo Salad?
To prevent orzo from sticking in Chicken Orzo Salad, rinse it under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch. Toss it with a bit of olive oil while cooling to keep it separated.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serve
- Calories: 314
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad
Description
Homemade Orzo Salad Recipe made of tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing serve this hearty salad for lunch or dinner. It serves 6 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and fresh parsley on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavorful option. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the salad, saving time on cooking.
Incorporate Extra Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, or diced avocado. They bring freshness, texture, and essential nutrients.
Toast the Nuts for Extra Crunch: Lightly toast nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts in a skillet or oven to bring out their natural oils and deepen their flavor.
Choose Whole Wheat Orzo for Added Health Benefits: Replace regular orzo with whole wheat orzo for a healthier option. It adds more fiber, keeps you fuller for longer, and provides a subtle nutty flavor that complements the salad.