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Homemade Orzo Salad Recipe photo

Orzo Salad Recipe

A bright, crunchy orzo salad topped with grilled marinated chicken for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 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 ground black pepper
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup diced carrot (about 2 large)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 large handful fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
  • 1 lb orzo
  • 1/2 cup ramen noodles (uncooked)
  • 6 chicken cutlets (or 3 chicken breasts, pounded and halved)
  • sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Zip-top Bag
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Whisk together white vinegar, canola oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, salt, black pepper and minced garlic in a small bowl to make the marinade/dressing.
  2. Pour half of the dressing into a large zip-top bag, add the chicken cutlets, seal, and turn the bag to coat; refrigerate while you prepare the salad.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente; drain completely and transfer to a large bowl.
  4. Add chopped green onions, diced carrot, diced red pepper, chopped spinach and diced celery to the cooked orzo and toss to combine.
  5. Pour the remaining dressing over the orzo salad and toss thoroughly to coat; refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Heat a grill or grill pan to high. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill 3–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through, then rest briefly.
  7. Transfer the orzo salad to a serving dish, sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds and broken ramen noodles, top with grilled chicken slices, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken while preparing the salad for best flavor.
  • Toast almonds briefly in a dry skillet until fragrant.
  • Cook orzo until al dente to avoid a mushy salad.
  • Ramen noodles add crunch; break them into pieces before sprinkling.
  • Adjust brown sugar to taste for sweetness.