Spinach Orzo Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese
Spinach Orzo Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines fresh ingredients for a light yet satisfying meal. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or as a refreshing side at picnics and barbecues, this salad features tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed together with colorful vegetables. With its healthy profile and customizable options, this dish offers endless possibilities to suit any palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 cooked chicken breast, diced
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons chicken sparkling grape juice vinegar (or apple vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions; rinse under cold water and place in a large bowl.
- Add diced chicken, spinach, roasted red pepper, green onion, cherry tomatoes, basil, and goat cheese to the orzo.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients until combined.
- Pour vinaigrette over the salad mixture; toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups (300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg