5 from 21 votes
Orzo Salad Recipe
Orzo Salad consists of cooked orzo pasta combined with a medley of fresh vegetables like carrot, red pepper, celery, green onions, and baby spinach. The salad is dressed with a tangy-sweet dressing featuring vinegar, oils, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and spices. Grilled chicken marinated in half the dressing tops the salad along with toasted almonds, ramen noodles for crunch, and sesame seeds for garnish. This combination provides varied textures and balanced umami and acidic flavors.
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
812 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Asian
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 812
% 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.