Delicious curried orzo & chicken salad pasta 🍝 Chicken, orzo, veggies, and curry in a creamy sauce. Perfect for lunch! #curry #orzo #chickensalad #pasta #dinnerideas
- Orzo Pasta: Organic, whole grain orzo for added nutritional value
- Chicken Breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast for lean protein
- Curried Seasoning: Including curry powder like turmeric, cumin, coriander, for authentic flavor
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness
- Bell Peppers: Yellow or red bell peppers, sliced for added crunch and sweetness
- Cucumber: Diced cucumber for extra hydration and refreshing taste
- Red Onion: Finely diced to add a bit of sharpness and flavor
- Spinach Leaves: Fresh spinach leaves for nutrients and volume
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese for tangy flavor (optional)
- Avocado: Diced avocado, if desired, for healthy fats and texture
- Olive Oil: For dressing or cooking the chicken (extra virgin olive oil is a healthier choice)
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance flavors
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, ensuring freshness in seasoning
- Grapes: Seedless green grapes for natural sweetness and snackability
Keywords:
- curried orzo pasta recipe
- healthy salad ingredients
- chicken orzo salad
- organic orzo for currying
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Steps
### Curried Orzo and Chicken Salad Pasta Recipe
#### Introduction
Looking for a delicious, flavorful, and healthy twist on your classic pasta dishes? Try this curried orzo and chicken salad pasta recipe! This dish is packed with vibrant flavors from the curry, tender chunks of grilled chicken, and crisp vegetables. Perfect as a main course or side, it's also great for meal prep.
#### Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
#### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Cook the Orzo**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. **Prepare the Chicken**
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until thoroughly cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
3. **Combine Ingredients**
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo with the curried chicken.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
4. **Serve and Enjoy**
- Serve immediately for a refreshing meal or chill in the fridge to let flavors meld before serving.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
#### Tips and Variations
- **Add Protein:** For an extra boost, consider adding grilled shrimp or boiled eggs.
- **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute chicken with chickpeas for a vegan-friendly version.
- **Storage:** This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s well covered and refrigerated.
#### Conclusion
This curried orzo and chicken salad pasta is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients from its varied ingredients. Perfect for lunchboxes, dinners, or gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike. Happy cooking!