Description
Indulge in the vibrant and delicious Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad, a dish that combines wholesome ingredients with rich flavors. This easy-to-make salad features tender grilled chicken seasoned with zesty cajun spices, creamy avocado, and colorful vegetables all tossed together with al dente orzo pasta and fresh basil pesto. Perfect for busy weeknights, picnics, or potlucks, this salad is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. Each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 roasted bell peppers, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/3 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles + 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss chicken tenders with olive oil and cajun seasoning; grill on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the Dressing: In a glass jar, combine mayo, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce, pickles, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder; whisk until blended.
- Cook the Orzo: Boil salted water in a large pot; cook orzo until al dente (follow package directions), then drain.
- Assemble the Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine orzo with pesto. Add lettuce and one-third of the dressing; mix in grilled chicken, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
- Final Touches: Top with sliced avocado and drizzle additional dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg