Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad

Discover the delightful Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad, a nutritious and easy-to-make dish with fresh ingredients perfect for family dinners.

Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad is a delightful dish and a straightforward and versatile option for family dinners. With a simple assembly process that involves cooking orzo pasta and combining it with tender diced chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad comes together in about 30 minutes.

The ease of preparation makes it an ideal weeknight meal,

The ease of preparation makes it an ideal weeknight meal, allowing families to enjoy a nutritious and delicious option without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite bursts with flavor from fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and peppery greens, complemented by the creamy feta and the unique tang of olives.

Packed with health benefits that contribute to a balanced diet

This recipe truly excels at accommodating various tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Not only does Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad showcase a medley of delicious flavors, but it is also packed with health benefits that contribute to a balanced diet. While rich in carbohydrates,

Orzo pasta provides a good energy source,

Orzo pasta provides a good energy source, while lean chicken breast offers high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair. Adding fresh vegetables like spinach and bell peppers boosts the salad with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber that support digestive health.

This antipasto dish is perfect for family dinners and an excellent meal prep option,

This antipasto dish is perfect for family dinners and an excellent meal prep option, as it holds well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Whether served as the main entree or as a side, this satisfying salad meets the needs of busy families looking for a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Serving Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1. Orzo Pasta - 1 cup (uncooked)
2. Cooked Chicken Breast - 2 cups (diced or shredded)
3. Cherry Tomatoes - 1 cup (halved)
4. Cucumber - 1 cup (diced)
5. Red Bell Pepper - 1 cup (diced)
6. Red Onion - ¼ cup (finely chopped)
7. Spinach or Arugula - 2 cups (fresh, chopped)
8. Feta Cheese - ½ cup (crumbled)
9. Olives (Kalamata or Green) - ¼ cup (sliced)
10. Fresh Parsley - ¼ cup (chopped)
11. Olive Oil - ¼ cup (for dressing)
12. Lemon Juice - 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
13. Garlic - 1 clove (minced, optional)
14. Salt and Pepper - to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Avocado - 1 (diced)
• Chickpeas - 1 cup (drained and rinsed)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Cook Orzo: Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Stir occasionally and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
3. Drain Orzo: After cooking, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop Vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, rinse and chop the following:
   • Cherry Tomatoes: Cut 1 cup into halves.
   • Cucumber: Peel if desired, then dice.
   • Red Bell Pepper: Remove seeds and dice.
   • Red Onion: Finely chop ¼ cup.
   • Fresh Spinach or Arugula: Roughly chop 2 cups.
2. Slice Olives: Slice ¼ cup of olives (if using whole olives).

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

1. Diced Chicken: If you haven’t done so already, ensure the cooked chicken breast is diced or shredded into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts on the stovetop or bake them in the oven.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped spinach or arugula, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and chopped parsley. Gently toss to mix everything evenly.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (¼ cup), lemon juice (2 tablespoons), minced garlic (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired.

Step 5: Combine Salad

1. Add Dressing to Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in a large bowl.
2. Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the dressing is evenly distributed and all ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Serve

1. Taste Test: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
2. Serve Immediately: You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
3. Presentation: Serve in bowls or as a platter. You can top with extra feta or parsley for garnish.

Enjoy!

This Healthy Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad is perfect for a family meal, full of flavor and nutrients! Enjoy your fresh and delicious salad!

Here’s a list of helpful tips and variations for making Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad:

1. Cook Orzo Al Dente: Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, but aim for al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with other ingredients.
2. Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast for a quick assembly.
3. Chill Before Serving: For enhanced flavors, consider chilling the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving to adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
5. Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables to maximize flavor and nutritional value.
6. Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; add greens and dressing before serving for freshness.

Variations:

1. Add Nuts: Include toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats.
2. Swap Proteins: Replace chicken with cooked shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. Vary the Greens: Experiment with different greens like kale, mixed salad greens, or romaine for a different texture and flavor.
4. Include Grains: Mix in other grains like quinoa or farro for variety and to boost fiber content.
5. Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
6. Diverse Dressings: Different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy ranch will switch up the flavor profile.
7. Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or corn for a fresh and vibrant twist.

These tips and variations can help you customize your Homemade Chicken Orzo Salad to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

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