Oh, how I love a good salad! There’s just something so satisfying about a fresh bowl of colorful veggies packed with flavor, and this Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken is one of my absolute favorites. Maybe it’s the tangy brightness from the lemon juice or the creamy touch of the Parmesan that makes my heart sing.
I remember the very first time I whipped this up for a summer picnic with friends. It was one of those stunning sunny days when the clouds took a vacation and all you needed was a beautiful salad and a good book. Everyone loved it so much, we gobbled it up before we even had a chance to hit the dessert table! It’s become a staple for gatherings, brunches, or even just a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it to your liking!
What’s in Lemon Orzo Salad With Chicken?
Let’s break down the deliciousness of this recipe:
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta looks just like rice but has a lovely texture that brings the salad together. It absorbs the dressing beautifully!
Water or Chicken Broth: Cooking the orzo in chicken broth adds extra flavor, but water works just fine, too!
Cooked Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. It’s juicy and has so much flavor. Perfect for a no-fuss meal.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems give a pop of sweetness and color to the salad. I always go for juicy, ripe ones!
Cucumber: Cool and refreshing, diced cucumber adds that crunch we all crave.
Red Onion: Just a touch of finely chopped red onion brings a slight zing without overpowering the salad.
Fresh Spinach or Arugula: I usually opt for baby spinach, but arugula gives a wonderful peppery kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
Fresh Parsley: This herb adds a burst of freshness and color to the mix—definitely a must!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: You can’t go wrong with cheese, right? The nutty flavor from Parm perfectly complements the lemon.
Lemon Juice: This is where the magic happens! Freshly squeezed is the way to go for that zingy flavor.
Olive Oil: Barely-there olive oil enriches the dressing and helps all the flavors cling together.
Salt and Pepper: Simple, but essential for elevating all the flavors.
Lemon Zest (Optional): When I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of lemon zest on top looks beautiful and adds extra citrus aroma.
Is Lemon Orzo Salad With Chicken Good for You?
You bet it is! This salad is not only tasty but also packs in a boatload of nutrients.
Orzo Pasta: It’s a great source of carbohydrates for energy, making this a lovely, light meal.
Chicken: Packed with protein, chicken is an excellent choice that keeps you full and satisfied.
Cucumbers and Spinach: Hydrating and rich in vitamins, these veggies come with a good dose of fiber.
Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats? Yes, please! Olive oil adds flavor while contributing to a balanced diet.
Lemon Juice: This zesty hero is a great source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and can help with skin health.
Now, while this salad is healthy, if you’re watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the salt in the chicken broth and the Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon zest for garnish
Serves 4-6
How to Make Lemon Orzo Salad With Chicken?
1. Begin by bringing the water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and your choice of spinach or arugula.
3. Add the cooled orzo to the bowl filled with the veggies and chicken. Toss everything together until well-combined.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Drizzle this over the orzo salad and toss to coat evenly.
5. Gently fold in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for that extra yum!
6. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. And if you want to get a bit fancy, don’t forget to sprinkle some lemon zest on top before serving!
7. For the best flavor experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. But of course, you can enjoy it right away if you can’t wait!
Serving Suggestions & Tips for the Perfect Salad
Whether you’re serving this delightful salad as a main course or side dish, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish and a glass of crisp white wine. If you’re looking for variations, try swapping the vegetables depending on the season—think roasted bell peppers or diced avocado for a creamy twist.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! You could add some nuts for crunch or swapped out the chicken for chickpeas to make it vegetarian. The possibilities are endless!
I sincerely hope you give this Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken a try. I promise it will brighten your day and your taste buds! And if you do, please share your own twist on it or any fun stories from your kitchen adventures—I love hearing about your experiences! Happy cooking!
