Orzo, Chicken, Artichoke and Spinach Salad

Orzo, Chicken, Artichoke, and Spinach Salad Recipe

This salad combines fresh and nutritious ingredients such as orzo, juicy chicken breast, artichokes, and tender spinach. It is very easy to prepare and is ideal for those looking for a light, flavorful dish with health benefits for any season. Its mix of textures and flavors makes it a very special dish that surprises from the first bite.

Preparation time

To organize your kitchen without complications, here is a clear breakdown of the times you will need:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 18 minutes
• Total: 33 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the salad

• 1 cup of orzo
• 100 g of cooked chicken breast, in strips
• ½ cup of artichokes (can be canned or freshly cooked)
• 1 cup of fresh baby spinach
• 1 Persian cucumber chopped
• ½ cup of cherry tomatoes cut in half
• ¼ cup of red onion chopped
• ¼ cup of red bell pepper in small cubes
• ¼ cup of kalamata olives
• Feta cheese to taste for sprinkling

For the dressing

• ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil (recommended from brands like La Española or Virgen de las Cumbres)
• 1½ tablespoon of vinegar red wine
• 1 teaspoon of Italian spices
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of pepper
• ½ teaspoon of mustard
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder

If you can't find orzo, you can substitute it with small rice or rice-shaped pasta. For artichokes, canned artichokes in water work perfectly to simplify preparation.

Utensils we will use

• Pot for cooking the orzo
• Colander for draining the pasta
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board for cutting vegetables and chicken
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Small container for preparing the dressing (can be a measuring cup or a small bowl)
• Platter or plate for serving

Preparation

1. Cook the orzo

1. Prepare the water: Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a pot along with one tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of bouillon (you can use the Gallina Blanca brand for an authentic flavor).
2. Cook the orzo: When the water is boiling, add the orzo and cook for 15 to 18 minutes. The exact point is when the orzo is tender but not falling apart.
3. Drain and cool: Strain the orzo with a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from sticking.

2. Prepare the dressing

1. Mix ingredients: In a small container, mix the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian spices, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard.
2. Reserve: Stir the dressing well until fully combined and set it aside for the flavors to meld.

3. Cut and prepare vegetables and chicken

1. Cut cucumber: Wash the Persian cucumber and cut it into small cubes, an approximate size of 1 cm is ideal for it to mix well without dominating the texture.
2. Cherry tomatoes: Wash them and cut them in half to release their juice and flavor into the salad.
3. Chopping onion and bell pepper: Cut the red onion into very small cubes so it's not too strong, and the bell pepper into pieces similar in size to the cucumber.
4. Prepare artichokes: If they are canned, drain them well and cut them into quarters or strips as you prefer.
5. Dice chicken: Cook the chicken breast (you can use thighs for more juiciness) and cut it into thin strips.

4. Mix the salad

1. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cold orzo with the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, red bell pepper, artichokes, kalamata olives, and baby spinach.
2. Add the chicken: Incorporate the chicken strips and stir gently so as not to break the spinach.
3. Incorporate the dressing: Pour the dressing over the mixture and carefully integrate it so that all pieces are infused with flavor.

To finish and serve

Generously sprinkle feta cheese over the salad to give it a creamy and salty touch that enhances the flavors. Serve in a wide dish so it looks colorful and fresh. You can accompany it with a baked fish or grilled chicken for a more complete meal. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept in the fridge for up to a couple of days without losing texture or flavor.

I want to share these tips with you

• Orzo al dente: Watch the pasta cooking so that it is ‘al dente’; if it cooks too much, it can become mushy and affect the overall texture.
• Fresh spinach: Choose baby spinach in good condition, without wilted leaves, for better flavor and presentation.
• Quality olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil, from brands like Gallo or Virgen de las Cumbres, so that the dressing has an intense aroma and flavor.
• Avoid excess salt: Feta cheese and olives add saltiness, adjust the salt in the dressing carefully.
• Delicate mix: Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to integrate the ingredients without damaging the texture of the spinach or orzo.
• Prepare in advance: You can make the salad a couple of hours beforehand, leave the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Nutritious variation: For more protein, add some sunflower seeds or toasted almonds on top just before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Proteins: 28 g
• Fats: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact brands and quantities used.

5 keys to make it perfect

• Orzo cooking control: The key is not to overcook to avoid a pasty salad. The orzo should maintain its shape and light texture.
• Use of appropriate olive oil: A good oil provides unique aromas and freshness, improving the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
• Freshness of the ingredients: Fresh vegetables like cucumber and spinach make a big difference in flavor and presentation.
• Add the dressing at the end: Mixing the dressing just before serving prevents the leaves from wilting and the orzo from softening over time.
• Crunchy complements: Adding ingredients like kalamata olives or feta cheese contrasts with the softness of the orzo and the juiciness of the chicken.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This salad is ideal for hot days or when you're looking for a light meal without losing flavor or nutrients. Perfect for nutritious summer lunches, it also works very well for family gatherings or picnics due to its ease of being served cold. It's a healthy option for those who want to maintain a balanced diet without complicating preparation. Its combination of proteins and fresh vegetables makes it suitable for post-workout activities or as a main course for dinner.

Comparison Table: Orzo, Chicken, Artichoke, and Spinach Salad and Similar Recipes

Do you want to know more recipes and tricks for preparing delicious salads?

Learn with this video recipe how to give a special touch to your orzo salad, including tips for cooking orzo and choosing the best ingredients.

Explore here ideas for healthy and easy chicken and spinach salads, perfect for varying your daily menu without complications.

Share your experience

Have you tried this salad yet? Tell us how it turned out, what adjustments you made, or if you added any personal touch. Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Leave your comment and share your own little tricks to enjoy this recipe to the fullest!

Culinary glossary

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta, quick-cooking and soft texture.
• Baby spinach: Tender and small spinach leaf, ideal for salads due to its softness.
• Artichokes: Edible flower with a delicate flavor, can be used fresh or preserved.
• Dressing: Liquid mixture added to salads to provide flavor and texture.
• Mustard: Strong-flavored condiment that helps emulsify and give body to the dressing.

Orzo, Chicken, Artichoke and Spinach Salad

Orzo, Chicken, Artichoke, and Spinach Salad: step-by-step recipe crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: salad, orzo, chicken, artichokes, spinach, Mexican, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 200 kcal

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT8M

Total Time: PT25M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 250 g orzo pasta
• 200 g chicken breast (can be substituted with cooked or shredded chicken from previous versions)
• 150 g artichoke hearts packed in water or wine, drained
• 100 g fresh spinach, washed and dried
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (e.g., from Gallo )
• Juice of 1 lemon (preferably from Casa Tarradellas )
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
• 1 finely chopped garlic clove
• A few fresh basil leaves, chopped

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Refrigeration: :

Cooling: 10 minutes

Total: :

Total: 25 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 4-6

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Cook orzo: :

Cook orzo: In a pot with salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain and cool with cold water to stop cooking and maintain texture.

Cook chicken: :

Cook chicken: In a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil, cook the chicken breasts cut into strips or medium pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. It is recommended to cook them over medium heat until golden and completely cooked, about 7-8 minutes.

Prepare the dressing: :

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the oil, mustard, honey, garlic, and basil until a smooth sauce is obtained.

Assemble the salad: :

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the orzo, cooked chicken, artichoke pieces, and spinach. Pour in the dressing and stir carefully so that all ingredients are coated.

Refrigerate: :

Chill: Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes in the fridge so that the flavors integrate perfectly.

Step 1 :

For a lighter version, substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing with natural yogurt or low-fat cream cheese spread.

Step 2 :

Use chicken in various preparations, such as roasted or cooked chicken from the previous day, to speed up the process and add more flavor.

Step 3 :

If you want an extra touch of flavor, add black olives or sun-dried tomatoes in oil, which will increase the intensity of the salad.

Step 4 :

For extra freshness, serve the salad with lemon slices or an additional touch of aromatic herbs.

Step 5 :

Complement this dish with whole wheat bread and a fresh white wine for a balanced and healthy meal.

Hydrate pasta correctly: :

Hydrate the pasta correctly: It is essential to cool it well to maintain its firm texture, especially if prepared in advance.

Choose juicy chicken: :

Choose juicy chicken: The breast should be well cooked but not dry; if using thighs, adjust cooking time.

Balance the dressing: :

Balance the dressing: Add ingredients little by little and taste before serving to avoid it being too acidic or sweet.

Maintain freshness::

Keep fresh: Add the spinach just before serving so that it retains its crunch and vibrant color.

Editor's Rating:
4.4