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Italian Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Italian Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Discover the Italian Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe, a refreshing summer dish combining chicken, veggies, and orzo.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil substitute with avocado oil for variety
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar apple cider vinegar is an alternative
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey for lower sugar option
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion fresh minced onion can be used
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning substitute with individual dried herbs
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic crushed; fresh minced garlic also works
  • optional crushed red pepper flakes omit for milder flavor
Salad
  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts substitute with grilled tofu for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup orzo pasta use gluten-free orzo if desired
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; can substitute with diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives can use Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced white onion green onions are milder
  • 8 ounces bocconcini (fresh mozzarella cheese balls) cubed feta can be a substitute
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves can swap with parsley or mint
  • 4 cups baby arugula can use spinach or mixed greens

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Grill
  • Pot

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
  2. Marinate the chicken in half of the dressing for 30 minutes.
  3. Cook the orzo in salted water until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
  4. Grill the marinated chicken until cooked through, then let rest and slice.
  5. Mix the salad ingredients together in a large bowl with the cooled orzo.
  6. Toss the salad with the remaining dressing until well combined.
  7. Serve on a bed of arugula and garnish with sliced chicken and basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 24gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill for several hours before serving for best flavor. Can be customized with various proteins and veggies.

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