Savory Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad
This Savory Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad is a delightful blend of vibrant Mediterranean flavors that come together for a satisfying lunch or snack. Perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken combined with tender orzo pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and tangy marinated artichoke hearts create a dish that's both refreshing and hearty. The addition of sweet dried currants and zesty capers brings a balanced contrast of flavors that dance on your palate. Drizzled with a light and aromatic tarragon dressing, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a sure hit for gatherings, meal prep, or a leisurely lunch. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
4
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
6 tablespoons (None)
Tarragon Vinegar
2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (None)
Dried Tarragon
1 tablespoon (None)
Lemon Juice
1/2 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Dijon Mustard
1/2 tablespoon (None)
Cooked Chicken, diced
3 cups (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
Orzo Pasta
1/2 cup (Cooked and drained)
Cherry Tomatoes, halved
1 cup (Fresh)
Marinated Artichoke Hearts, chopped
6 ounces (Drained and chopped)
Dried Currants
1/3 cup (None)
Capers
1 1/2 tablespoons (Rinsed if desired)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tarragon vinegar (both the 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons), dried tarragon, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until fully blended. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
2
Pour 1/4 cup of the dressing over the diced chicken in a separate bowl and gently mix to coat the chicken evenly.
3
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the orzo to the bowl with the remaining dressing and toss to combine.
4
To the orzo, add the coated chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, dried currants, and rinsed capers. Gently mix all the ingredients together until well incorporated.
5
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean salad featuring rotisserie chicken, orzo, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, currants, and capers in a tarragon dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe suggests using rotisserie chicken for convenience, diced into bite-sized pieces.
What ingredients are in the tarragon dressing?
The dressing is a blend of olive oil, tarragon vinegar, dried tarragon, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep as it can be stored in the refrigerator and tastes great chilled.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of orzo pasta.
How do I prepare the orzo?
Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente, drain it, and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 27.5 grams of fat in each serving.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served immediately, chilled, or at room temperature.
What makes this salad tangy?
The tanginess comes from the combination of tarragon vinegar, marinated artichoke hearts, and rinsed capers.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Why are dried currants included in the recipe?
Dried currants are used to provide a sweet contrast to the savory Mediterranean ingredients.
What vegetables are needed for this salad?
The recipe includes one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and six ounces of marinated artichoke hearts.
How much fiber is in a serving?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of fiber.
What is the sugar content of this dish?
The salad contains 1.25 grams of sugar per serving.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
You will need 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
How is the chicken prepared for the salad?
The chicken is diced and then coated with 1/4 cup of the prepared tarragon dressing.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepped?
The cherry tomatoes should be fresh and sliced in half.
Should the capers be rinsed before adding them?
Yes, the recipe recommends rinsing the capers if desired.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe, particularly when using pre-cooked chicken.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What are the primary tags for this Mediterranean salad?
Primary tags include mediterranean, salad, chicken, orzo, lunch, healthy, quick, and meal prep.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How much dried tarragon is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of dried tarragon for the dressing.
How much tarragon vinegar is needed in total?
The total amount is 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of tarragon vinegar.