Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad
This delightful Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that's perfect for potlucks, summer picnics, or as a light dinner. Transforming a shrimp salad into a chicken masterpiece, this hearty salad is packed with both flavor and nutrition. It features tender orzo pasta, succulent pieces of chicken, and a colorful array of sweet peppers, artichoke hearts, and olives, all tossed in a herby, zesty dressing. The mix of fresh dill and parsley adds an aromatic touch that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Chill it in the refrigerator for a bit, and you've got a dish that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
16 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
chicken breast
3/4 lb (cooked and cut into small bite-size pieces)
yellow sweet pepper
1 cup (finely chopped)
sweet red pepper
1 cup (finely chopped)
artichoke hearts
14 ounces (canned, rinsed, drained, and quartered)
red onion
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup (minced)
fresh dill weed
1/3 cup (minced)
pimento stuffed olives
1/3 cup (chopped)
white wine vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
garlic cloves
3 cloves (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Cook the orzo pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. Drain again thoroughly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta with the cooked chicken pieces, chopped yellow sweet pepper, red sweet pepper, quartered artichoke hearts, finely chopped red onion, parsley, dill, and sliced olives. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, pepper, and olive oil until well blended.
4
Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the pasta and ingredients are well coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad made with orzo, chicken, and a variety of Mediterranean vegetables tossed in a zesty herby dressing.
How do I cook the orzo for this recipe?
Cook the orzo in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds excellent flavor to the salad.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad features yellow sweet peppers, red sweet peppers, artichoke hearts, red onions, and pimento-stuffed olives.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
It is best to refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is in the dressing for the Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad?
The dressing is made from white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, pepper, and olive oil.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made a day in advance as the flavors improve over time.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely, its refreshing nature and ease of transport make it an ideal dish for potlucks and summer picnics.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I substitute the white wine vinegar?
Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice as a substitute for the white wine vinegar.
What can I use instead of artichoke hearts?
If you do not have artichoke hearts, you can try using marinated mushrooms or hearts of palm.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley and dill?
While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs; just reduce the quantity to about one-third of what is called for in fresh.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is designed to be served cold, making it a refreshing option for warm weather.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini will work if orzo is unavailable.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?
Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water and immediately tossing it with the other ingredients and dressing helps prevent sticking.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Feta cheese is a wonderful addition that complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced meal featuring lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and plenty of vegetables.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken or replace it with a plant-based protein like chickpeas.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe calls for pimento-stuffed olives, but Kalamata olives are also a delicious option.
Can I use whole wheat orzo?
Yes, whole wheat orzo can be used for added fiber and a slightly nuttier taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including the pasta, chicken, vegetables, and dressing components.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into small, bite-size pieces so it mixes well with the orzo and vegetables.
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it can significantly change the texture of the pasta and fresh vegetables.
What makes this a Mediterranean dish?
The use of ingredients like olive oil, garlic, artichokes, olives, and oregano gives it a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Can I use green onions instead of red onion?
Yes, green onions provide a milder onion flavor if you find red onions too strong.
Is there a substitute for olive oil in the dressing?
Avocado oil is a good neutral substitute, though it will slightly alter the traditional Mediterranean taste.
Should the artichoke hearts be canned or fresh?
The recipe specifies using canned artichoke hearts that have been rinsed and drained.
Can I add nuts to the salad?
Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds can be added just before serving for an extra crunch.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While not specified, a recipe using 16 ounces of pasta and 3/4 lb of chicken typically serves 6 to 8 people as a side or 4 to 6 as a main.
Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes, you can use any combination of yellow, red, orange, or green sweet peppers to add color to the dish.