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Chicken Orzo Salad: Zesty, Fresh, and Flavor-Packed

This Chicken Orzo Salad is the perfect solution for anyone craving a bright, Mediterranean inspired meal that feels light but keeps you satisfied.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • For the Salad:
  • Chicken Breast: 14 oz 400g, cooked
  • Orzo Pasta: 1 cup cooked and cooled
  • Pickled Gherkins: 7–8 finely diced
  • Roasted Red Peppers: 4 jarred, chopped
  • Corn: 1 cup canned or frozen/thawed
  • Parsley: 1 handful finely chopped
  • For the Zesty Dressing:
  • Olive Oil: ¼ cup approx. ½ tea glass
  • Lemon Juice: 1 large lemon freshly squeezed
  • Pomegranate Molasses: 2 tbsp
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  • Shred Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breast in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken into uniform pieces quickly.
  • Combine Base: To the shredded chicken, add the cooked orzo, diced gherkins, chopped roasted red peppers, corn, and fresh parsley.
  • Whisk Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until emulsified and glossy.
  • Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
  • Mix: Use two large spoons to toss the salad thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Chill: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the orzo to absorb the zesty dressing.
  • Serve: Give the salad one final toss before serving chilled or at room temperature.