Orzo Chicken and Fresh Basil Salad
Prep Time
20 minutesCooking Time
15 minutesServing Size
6-8 servings
Ingredients
Pasta:
2 quarts (1.89 L) water
1 bay leaf
¾ tsp (3 mL) dried basil leaves
1 cup (250 mL) orzo pasta
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Salad:
2 cups (500 mL) cooked, shredded chicken breasts
1 cup (250 mL) Ocean Spray® Craisins® Cherry Juice Infused Dried Cranberries
1 cup (250 mL) sliced cherry tomatoes
½ cup (125 mL) sliced red onion
½ cup (125 mL) chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup(60 mL) chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp (30 mL) capers, drained
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Dressing:
â…“ cup (80 mL) Ocean Spray® Diet Cran-Cherry® Low Calorie Beverage
3 tbsp (45 mL) vegetable oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) prepared pesto
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
¾ tsp (3 mL) freshly cracked pepper
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Mixed nuts, garnish (optional)
Steps
In a 4-quart (3.75L) saucepan add water, bay leaf and dried basil leaves.Bring to a boil; add orzo.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente (about 8 to 9 minutes); drain, remove bay leaf and set aside.
In large bowl, combine all salad ingredients.Add pasta; toss until well mixed.
Meanwhile, add dressing ingredients to a 1-cup (250 mL) glass measure; mix well.Add just enough dressing to coat all ingredients.
To serve, place salad on serving plates; garnish with mixed nuts if desired.
Refrigerate leftovers.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.