Orzo Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
Orzo Salad Recipe
Description
The Orzo Salad Recipe features tender orzo pasta tossed with chopped fresh vegetables including carrots, red peppers, celery, green onions, and baby spinach, creating a colorful and crisp base. The dressing combines white vinegar, canola and sesame oils, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper, achieving a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor profile.
Half the dressing is used to marinate chicken cutlets, which are grilled to develop a smoky char. The remaining dressing coats the pasta and vegetables, uniting the flavors. Toasted almonds add a nutty crunch, while broken ramen noodles contribute an additional crispy texture. A sprinkle of sesame seeds finishes the dish, adding subtle nuttiness.
This salad serves as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side. The combination of fresh vegetables and marinated grilled chicken offers a balance of savory, sweet, and fresh elements. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, suitable for gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
for the dressing/marinade:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 large garlic minced, clove
for the salad:
- 4 green onions chopped
- 1 cup carrot about 2 large, diced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 2 ribs celery diced
- 1 large handful spinach chopped, fresh baby
- 1/2 cup almonds lightly toasted, slivered
- 1 lb orzo
- 1/2 cup ramen noodles
- 6 chicken cutlet or 3 chicken breasts pounded out flat and sliced into two
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients for the marinade/dressing together in a small bowl. Pour half the mixture into a large zip top bag. Place chicken pieces into marinade into bag and seal. Move chicken around in bag to coat in marinade and store in refrigerator until ready to grill.
- To make orzo salad, bring large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain completely and pour cooked orzo into large bowl. Top with onions, carrot, red pepper, spinach and celery. Pour remaining dressing over salad and toss to coat completely. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- To cook chicken, heat grill to high. Place chicken onto hot grill and cover. Cook 3-5 minutes per side. Cooking times may vary according to the thickness of the meat.
- To assemble, pour orzo salad into large serving dish. Top with toasted almonds and ramen noodles. Place cooked chicken over top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 812 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 812kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 88g | 29% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1227mg | 51% |
| Potassium | 1128mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin A | 4844IU | 97% |
| Vitamin C | 33mg | 37% |
| Calcium | 89mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
