Summer is officially here, and I’m busting out my favorite summertime recipes! This week, I’m teaching you how to make something super simple but entirely delicious – chicken and orzo salad. This ‘salad’ is perfect for your palette at any time of the day, and it doesn’t take a lot of skill or preparation time away from your family and friends! Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s both light and filling, so you get that perfectly refreshed and satisfied feeling, all while keeping you from feeling weighed down in the summer heat. Read on and find out how to make one of my absolute favorite summer dishes!
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb (1 pkg) orzo
- 2 chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Italian herb seasoning blend
- 1 tbsp savory leaves seasoning blend
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, chopped & pitted
- 1/2 large cucumber, chopped
- 1 bunch basil
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh Homemade Dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. Cook orzo in pot of boiling water for 10 minutes or until al dente. Once fully cooked, drain hot water in colander and rinse orzo with cold water. Place aside in large serving bowl.
2. While orzo is cooking, chop and season chicken breasts with garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb seasoning blend, savory leaves seasoning blend and oregano. Cook seasoned chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until edges are lightly browned. Remove from heat when fully cooked and add to serving bowl with orzo.
3. Add chopped Kalamata olives, cucumber, basil, red bell pepper and green onions to serving bowl with orzo and chicken and fold in to the orzo.
4. Add homemade dressing to serving bowl, mix well and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
5. Once chilled, serve your guests and encourage them to sprinkle a pinch of crumbled feta cheese on top to add a little extra flavor to the dish! Note: do not leave the crumbled feta on the serving bowl itself, as the cheese will sink in to the mixture and leave the dish soggy and cheesy. I recommend sprinkling a little bit on top of each individual serving for the best flavor outcome.
Fresh Homemade Dressing
1. In a small bowl, squeeze fresh lemon lemon juice. Be sure to remove all seeds.
2. Add olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic salt, ground black pepper and garlic powder. Mix together until completely blended.
Enjoy with a tall, cold glass of water. Happy healthy eating!
xx.
Adapted from Craving Something Healthy
