Looking for a delicious and satisfying dish to brighten up your lunch or dinner spread? This Paula Deen Chicken Orzo Salad recipe is just what you need! Packed with flavorful ingredients and easy to whip up, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply a wholesome meal at home, this dish strikes the ideal balance between comforting and refreshing flavors. Let’s delve into the recipe and create a mouthwatering salad that’ll impress your family and friends.
Paula Deen Chicken Orzo Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 English cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the dressing:
– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and feta cheese.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Add the cooled orzo pasta to the salad bowl and toss until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Feel free to add more olive oil or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Give the salad a final toss before serving, ensuring all ingredients are mixed well.
Serve your Paula Deen Chicken Orzo Salad as a standalone meal or alongside your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying dish. This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The combination of tender orzo, savory chicken, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as pine nuts, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs to make it your own. Enjoy this refreshing and hearty salad that is sure to be a hit with your loved ones!
