As the days grow longer and our kitchens begin to crave lighter, brighter flavors, this Chicken Pesto Orzo Salad emerges as the perfect dish to welcome the season. It’s a wonderfully versatile meal, equally at home at a sunny picnic, as a satisfying lunch, or a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner. This recipe elevates the standard pasta salad by incorporating a homemade mixed-herb and almond pesto, celebrating the fresh taste of spring in every bite.
What makes this salad truly special is its celebration of seasonal produce. We’ve included tender-crisp asparagus, which adds a delightful texture and freshness that balances the richness of the pesto. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of this quintessential spring vegetable while it’s at its peak. This dish is not just delicious; it’s a beautiful mosaic of color and flavor that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb (450g) orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for garnish
For the Flaked Almond Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup flaked almonds, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Asparagus: While the orzo is cooking, bring another small pot of water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to preserve their color and texture. Drain well.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil, toasted flaked almonds, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, slowly stream in the lemon juice and olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled orzo, shredded chicken, blanched asparagus, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the pesto over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts just before serving. This salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled for later.
Nutrition Information
Estimated values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
A Note on Wine Pairing
To complement the fresh, herbaceous notes of this dish, we recommend a crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc, particularly one from the Marlborough region, is an excellent choice. Its characteristic zingy lime freshness and notes of tropical fruit cut through the richness of the pesto beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
More Spring Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate the flavors of the season, here are a few other dishes from our kitchen that you’re sure to love.
Spring Greens Carbonara
A delightful twist on a classic, this carbonara incorporates sweet peas and asparagus to balance the rich pancetta and egg yolk sauce. It’s a perfect, easy midweek meal.
Honey & Mustard Chicken Thighs with Spring Veg
Enjoy the ease of a one-pan meal that tastes like a Sunday roast without the fuss. Juicy marinated chicken thighs are nestled amongst your favorite spring vegetables for a dinner that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Thai Pork & Peanut Curry
Balance creamy coconut, a fragrant red curry kick, and the freshness of coriander in this incredible Thai-inspired dish. The addition of peanut butter makes it utterly moreish.
Easy Halloumi Traybake
This vibrant and nutritious vegetarian traybake is a fantastic family dinner. Packed with colorful roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and salty halloumi, it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Crab Linguine with Chilli & Parsley
Bring the taste of an Italian restaurant to your home with this simple yet sophisticated crab linguine. It focuses on a few high-quality ingredients, allowing the delicate crab, fresh parsley, and hint of chilli to shine.
