Craving a refreshing, zesty dish that combines the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and hearty protein? Look no further than this mouthwatering Orange Chicken Orzo Salad! Imagine a light, vibrant meal that transports you to a sunny Mediterranean kitchen, where every bite bursts with fresh flavors and delightful textures. This isn't just a salad – it's a culinary adventure that will revolutionize your summer dining experience and leave your guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: orzo pasta, cooked chicken, orange, red bell pepper, green onions, olive oil, orange juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Segment the orange by cutting away the peel and pith, then slicing between the membranes to release the segments. Dice the red bell pepper and chop the green onions.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, shredded chicken, orange segments, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Orange Chicken Orzo Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken and ensure it's still slightly warm when mixing.
- Rinse the orzo with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Use fresh orange juice for the dressing if possible, as it provides a more vibrant citrus taste.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like fresh basil or mint for an additional flavor dimension.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute some olive oil with Greek yogurt in the dressing.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 271kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 17g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
