Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad
Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad combines tender chicken, tangy marinated artichokes, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the briny zing of Kalamata olives. Tossed in a light tarragon vinaigrette, the salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner option. With minimal prep time and an array of colors, it's an inviting dish that you'll love sharing with family and friends. Ideal for warm-weather meals or as a delightful side at your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
188
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
1 cup (cooked according to package instructions)
marinated artichoke hearts
6 ounces (drained and roughly chopped)
cooked chicken
3 cups (diced)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
Kalamata olives
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
raisins
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon (chopped)
white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to cool down.
2
While the orzo is cooking, drain the marinated artichoke hearts, making sure to reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade. Roughly chop the artichoke hearts and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped artichoke hearts, diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, coarsely chopped Kalamata olives, and chopped raisins.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the reserved artichoke marinade, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh tarragon until well blended.
5
Pour the dressing over the orzo and chicken mixture, and gently toss everything to ensure the ingredients are well coated.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra tarragon if desired.
Nutrition Information
20g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad?
It is a vibrant dish combining tender chicken, marinated artichokes, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and orzo pasta tossed in a tarragon vinaigrette.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, marinated artichoke hearts, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, raisins, fresh tarragon, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
How many calories are in a serving?
This recipe contains approximately 188 calories per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content of this salad?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the chicken cooked as part of the recipe?
No, the recipe requires 3 cups of previously cooked and diced chicken.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Orzo pasta is used, which is a small, rice-shaped pasta perfect for salads.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk together reserved artichoke marinade, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh tarragon.
What should I do with the artichoke marinade?
You should reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade from the jar to use as a base for the salad dressing.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped Kalamata olives.
Why are raisins included in a savory salad?
Chopped raisins add a touch of sweetness that balances the salty olives and tangy artichokes.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
While fresh tarragon is recommended for the best flavor, you can use a smaller amount of dried tarragon if fresh is unavailable.
Is white wine vinegar necessary?
White wine vinegar provides a crisp acidity, but you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
How do I prepare the orzo?
Cook it until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Why is it important to rinse the orzo under cold water?
Rinsing stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together, ensuring a better texture for the salad.
What type of mustard is used in the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
It is a quick meal option that can generally be prepared in about 30 minutes.
Is this salad suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a delightful side or main dish for gatherings and warm-weather meals.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
It can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner that can be made ahead of time.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 distinct ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy salad featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables.
Can I garnish the dish with extra herbs?
Yes, you can garnish the salad with extra chopped tarragon for added flavor and presentation.
Is the fat content high in this salad?
The fat content is not specifically listed, but the use of a light vinaigrette and lean chicken makes it a lighter option.
Are there any sugars in this recipe?
While no added sugar is listed, the raisins provide natural sweetness.
Can I substitute the Kalamata olives?
Yes, you can use other varieties like black olives or green olives if you prefer.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
It is specifically recommended as a summer salad or for warm-weather dining.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken or replace it with a plant-based protein like chickpeas.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh.