Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad Orzo Delectable is a vibrant and flavorful dish that elevates the traditional pasta salad to new heights. This delightful recipe features chewy orzo pasta combined with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, creating a colorful medley that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With its refreshing crunch and satisfying components, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup Turkey Bacon bits (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (red apple vinegar or apple cider)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), optional
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the orzo cooks, chop the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and dice the bell peppers.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with all chopped vegetables and add in shredded chicken.
- If using Turkey Bacon bits, sprinkle them over the salad and gently stir to mix everything together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs until well combined.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg