Description
Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This easy-to-make salad is bursting with flavors from zesty lemon, tender chicken, and an array of fresh vegetables. It’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light dinner option. In just 30 minutes, you can create a visually appealing meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition. Packed with wholesome ingredients and lots of color, this salad not only delights the palate but also serves as a nutritious choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 mini cucumbers (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 2 cups fresh arugula (optional)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (sliced)
- 2.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, arugula (if using), and shredded chicken.
- In a separate jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked orzo to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg