Description
This vibrant Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy artichoke hearts, savory Kalamata olives, sweet dried Craisins, briny capers, and protein-rich chicken. Tossed in a zesty tarragon vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect make-ahead dish ideal for picnics, potlucks, or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, canned, drained and chopped
- 2/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 2/3 cup dried Craisins
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons capers
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup tarragon vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 3 Tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool completely before assembling the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tarragon vinegar (or white wine vinegar), chopped fresh tarragon, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until fully combined and emulsified.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: In a large bowl, add the cooled orzo. Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Add the Salad Ingredients: Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, Craisins, capers, and cooked chicken, mixing thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
- Allow the orzo to cool completely before mixing with the dressing to prevent wilting the fresh ingredients.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; flavors will meld beautifully over time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or substitute with chickpeas.
- Tarragon vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar if unavailable.
- Adjust the salt thoughtfully since olives, capers, and artichokes add natural saltiness.
