Spinach Orzo Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese
Experience the vibrant flavors of our Spinach Orzo Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, a light and refreshing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or outdoor picnics. This nutritious salad combines tender orzo pasta, juicy diced chicken, fresh spinach, and colorful vegetables, all topped with creamy goat cheese for a delightful taste sensation. With quick preparation and easy customization options, this salad makes a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed as a main dish or side. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
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 white apple vinegar/red apple vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions; rinse and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo with diced chicken, spinach, roasted red pepper, sliced green onion, cherry tomatoes, basil, and goat cheese.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey (or syrup), olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture; stir gently to coat evenly.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg