Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken

Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken 🍋🍗

Are you looking for a quick, light, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a summer meal or a refreshing lunch? Look no further! This Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken is not only easy to make but also packed with fresh ingredients and zesty flavors. It’s a delightful combination that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 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, shredded 🍗
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 🧀
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced thin 🌿

For the Dressing:

• 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 🧂

Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the Orzo:
Start by boiling a salted pot of water. Cook the orzo al dente according to the package directions. Once it’s done, rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process and let it drain thoroughly. Transfer the orzo to a large bowl. 🍝

2️⃣ Prep the Salad Ingredients:
While the orzo is cooking, prep all your salad ingredients. Chop the cucumbers, quarter the tomatoes, chop the red onion, and shred the chicken. Add these, along with the arugula (if using), parmesan cheese, and sliced basil to the bowl with the orzo. If you’re not planning to serve the salad immediately, it’s best to skip adding the arugula until just before serving to keep it fresh. 🥒🍅🧅🥗🍗🧀

3️⃣ Make the Dressing:
In a jar or small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients: lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake the mixture until well combined. 🍋🥄

4️⃣ Toss and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or olive oil if desired. 🍽️

Serve this refreshing and zesty Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken immediately, or store it in the fridge for a quick and delicious meal later. Enjoy! 🌿🍋

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a side dish for your next barbecue. The combination of tender orzo, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies, all tied together with a tangy lemon dressing, makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking!