Best 3 Lemony Orzo Veggie Salad With Chicken Recipes

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Calling all foodies and health-conscious individuals! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a refreshing and vibrant recipe - lemony orzo veggie salad with tender chicken. This flavorful dish combines perfectly cooked orzo pasta, an array of colorful and crispy vegetables, succulent pieces of chicken, and a zesty lemon-based dressing that creates a symphony of flavors. Whether you're seeking a light and satisfying lunch option, a delectable dinner side, or a delightful picnic treat, this lemony orzo veggie salad with chicken is sure to hit the spot. With its vibrant colors, uplifting aroma, and harmonious medley of flavors, this recipe promises to be a delightful culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

LEMON ORZO SALAD WITH CHICKEN



Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken image

This lemon orzo salad recipe is a fresh, healthy, and colorful summer salad that's a breeze to make! It's ready in about 30 minutes.

Provided by Natasha Bull

Categories     Salad

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup uncooked orzo
2 mini cucumbers (or 1/2 English cucumber) (chopped)
1 cup little tomatoes (grape/cherry/etc.) (cut into quarters)
2 tablespoons red onion (chopped)
2 cups (loosely packed) fresh arugula (optional )
2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil (sliced thin)
1.5 tablespoons lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
2.5 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic (minced)
Salt & pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Boil a salted pot of water and cook the orzo al dente according to package directions. Once it's done, rinse it with cool water and let it drain thoroughly. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, prep all the salad ingredients and add them to the bowl. If you're not going to eat the salad right away, I suggest skipping the arugula.
  • Add the dressing ingredients to a jar or small bowl, and whisk/shake until well combined.
  • Toss the salad with the dressing. Add more lemon/oil if needed. I also add plenty of salt & pepper - there's a lot of pasta in here, so you need to salt it well so it doesn't taste bland.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 kcal, Carbohydrate 22 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 42 mg, Sodium 167 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ORZO VEGETABLE SALAD



Orzo Vegetable Salad image

Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. -Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup marinated quartered artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh spinach
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon capers, drained
DRESSING:
1/3 cup olive oil
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, artichokes, spinach, onions, cheese and capers. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients., Drain orzo and rinse in cold water. Add to vegetable mixture., Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 19g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 460mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

LEMONY ORZO-VEGGIE SALAD WITH CHICKEN



Lemony Orzo-Veggie Salad With Chicken image

This is from Cooking Light July 2010. I brought it to a picnic and it went over well. It's mayo free so it holds up well on a hot day. I liked it so much, Thought I'd post it here for safekeeping. I did make a bit more of the dressing than the recipes called for, seemed a little dry otherwise.

Provided by Haley K

Categories     Chicken

Time 20m

Yield 5 cups, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 cup orzo pasta
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup English cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup green onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain and place in a large bowl.
  • While orzo cooks, combine lemon rind and next 6 ingredients (through black pepper), stirring well with a whisk. Drizzle juice mixture over orzo; toss to coat. Add chicken and next 4 ingredients (through dill); toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with cheese.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. This will give your salad the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overcook the orzo. It should be cooked al dente, with a slight bite to it.
  • Let the salad cool completely before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be easier to handle.
  • Use a light, flavorful dressing. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing is a good option.
  • Add some protein to your salad. Grilled chicken, tofu, or beans are all great options.
  • Serve the salad immediately. Orzo salad is best when it's fresh.

Conclusion:

This lemony orzo veggie salad with chicken is a delicious and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer meal. It's packed with fresh vegetables, tender orzo, and flavorful chicken. The lemon-herb dressing adds a bright, tangy flavor that ties everything together. This salad is also easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this lemony orzo veggie salad with chicken a try!

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