Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Salad
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Salad is a delightful combination of tender orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and vibrant cherry tomatoes all tossed in a luscious basil pesto dressing. Perfect for any occasion—from casual brunches to elegant summer dinners—this dish is beloved by everyone, including picky eaters! The secret to its fantastic flavor lies in using good-quality, refrigerated pesto. Enjoy this salad warm or let it chill for a refreshing meal that’s sure to impress at potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
basil pesto
2/3 cup (refrigerated)
white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
olive oil
3 tablespoons
orzo pasta
3/4 lb (cooked)
shredded cooked chicken
1 lb (cooked and shredded)
cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
1/2 lb (cut in half)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, white wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground pepper until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing.
2
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3
Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
4
Add the cooled orzo to the pesto dressing and toss gently to coat every piece.
5
Incorporate the shredded chicken and halved cherry or grape tomatoes into the orzo mixture, folding everything together carefully.
6
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. It can also be enjoyed warm, depending on your preference.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Salad?
It is a flavorful combination of tender orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a creamy basil pesto dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for various occasions.
What type of pesto is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using good-quality, refrigerated basil pesto for the secret to its fantastic flavor.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe contains 20g of protein per serving.
Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, it can be enjoyed warm or chilled depending on your preference.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes.
How much chicken do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cooked and shredded chicken.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This dish uses 3/4 lb of orzo pasta.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
You should use 1/2 lb of cherry or grape tomatoes and cut them in half.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made of basil pesto, white wine vinegar, salt, fresh ground pepper, and olive oil.
How do I prevent the orzo from overcooking?
Rinse the orzo under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
What is the total carbohydrate content?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings.
How do I make the dressing smooth?
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking the other dressing ingredients together.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use either cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes for this salad.
How long does it take to cook the orzo?
Orzo usually takes about 8-10 minutes to cook until al dente.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the description notes that this dish is beloved by everyone, including picky eaters.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients.
Is this a good summer dish?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing meal perfect for elegant summer dinners.
Can this be served for brunch?
Yes, it is suitable for casual brunches.
How do I combine the chicken and tomatoes?
Fold the shredded chicken and halved tomatoes gently into the orzo and dressing mixture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Whisk together the basil pesto, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, then drizzle in olive oil.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The fiber content for this recipe is not specified in the current data.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content is not provided in the nutritional information.
Can I use fresh pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for freshly ground pepper to taste.
When should I add the pesto dressing to the orzo?
Add the cooled, rinsed orzo to the prepared pesto dressing and toss gently to coat.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The sugar content is not specified in the provided data.