Introducing the delectable “Chicken & Orzo Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette” – a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the succulence of boneless, skinless chicken breast with the wholesome goodness of zucchini, red bell peppers, mandarin orange sections, and orzo pasta. This vibrant dish hails from the kitchen of lovewithrecipes.com, promising a burst of flavors that dance on your palate with each delightful bite. 🌟
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken breast
- Zucchini
- Red bell peppers
- Mandarin orange sections
- Orzo pasta
- Dark raisins
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Green onion
- Garlic
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt
Citrus Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 366.9
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 48.4mg
- Sodium: 244mg
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 17.8g
- Protein: 22.9g
Instructions:
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat until hot.
- Add the boneless, skinless chicken breast and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until well-browned and no longer pink in the center.
- Cut the chicken into strips or cubes for a delightful texture.
-
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with diced zucchini, red bell peppers, mandarin orange sections, and orzo pasta.
- Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss everything together to ensure a harmonious blend of flavors.
-
Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours or, for an even more infused taste, leave it overnight.
- This step allows the flavors to meld, creating a symphony of taste that will leave you craving more.
-
Add the Finishing Touch:
- Just before serving, stir in the dark raisins, introducing a burst of sweetness to complement the savory elements of the dish.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish your Chicken & Orzo Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette as desired, elevating its visual appeal.
- Whether you choose fresh herbs, additional citrus slices, or a sprinkle of grated cheese, let your creativity shine.
-
Prepare the Citrus Vinaigrette:
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt.
- Shake the jar vigorously to emulsify the vinaigrette, creating a tangy and aromatic dressing that ties the entire salad together.
Embark on a culinary journey with this Chicken & Orzo Salad, where the tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty vinaigrette unite in a symphony of taste and texture. Perfect for a summer day or any occasion where you crave a healthy, flavorful dish that delights the senses. Enjoy the harmony of ingredients and savor the joy of homemade goodness. 🍽️✨
