Best 4 Mediterranean Chicken And Orzo Salad In Red Pepper Cups Recipes

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our tantalizing chicken and orzo salad nestled in colorful red pepper cups. This delightful dish is a symphony of fresh, zesty ingredients, featuring succulent chicken, tender orzo, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that dances on your palate. Each bite is an explosion of Mediterranean sunshine, transporting you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece, Italy, and Spain. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply seeking a healthy and satisfying meal, this Mediterranean chicken and orzo salad in red pepper cups will surely impress and delight your taste buds.

This recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with each ingredient contributing its unique charm. The tender chicken, marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, is grilled to perfection, infusing the salad with a smoky aroma. The orzo, cooked al dente, provides a satisfying bite, while the crisp vegetables, such as cucumber, tomato, and red onion, add a refreshing crunch. The tangy dressing, made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of garlic, ties all the flavors together, creating a harmonious and irresistible salad.

But that's not all! This article also features a collection of additional recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean. From a refreshing tzatziki sauce to a flavorful Mediterranean marinade, these recipes offer a culinary journey through the sun-drenched regions of Europe. Whether you're looking to expand your culinary skills or simply seeking new Mediterranean-inspired dishes, this article has something for every palate. Dive in and explore the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our delectable chicken and orzo salad in red pepper cups, complemented by a selection of additional recipes that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

You'll love this easy orzo salad loaded with chopped veggies, fresh herbs and other Mediterranean favorites. Tossed in a bold lemony dressing. For the best flavor, dress the Mediterranean orzo salad while the orzo is still a little warm. Pasta that hasn't cooled completely will drink up the dressing really well. And allow the salad to sit for at least a few minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge) for the flavors to meld before serving.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 ½ cup dry orzo pasta
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, (halved)
2 green onions, (trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts))
½ green bell pepper, (seeds removed, chopped)
1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley, (about 1 ½ ounces)
½ cup packed chopped fresh dill, (about 0.5 ounces)
¼ cup sliced pitted kalamata olives, (about 1 ounce)
2 teaspoons capers
Feta cheese, (to your liking)
1 lemon, (zested and juiced)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, (minced)
1 teaspoon oregano

Steps:

Cook the orzo pasta according package instructions (mine took about 8 minutes). Drain and cool briefly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grape tomatoes, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, dill, olives and capers (hold the feta for now). Add the orzo pasta.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined and the orzo pasta is well coated with the dressing.
Top with pieces of creamy feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for a bit before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.1 kcal, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Sodium 39.4 mg, Fiber 2.3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO CHICKEN SALAD

Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Salad image

On hot days, I pull out this recipe for a cool supper. The lemon dressing is so refreshing. If you have it, used grilled chicken. -Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled tomato and basil feta cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water and drain well., In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cheese, olives and onion. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 16g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 407mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 10g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

Mediterranean Orzo Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces orzo pasta
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained.
1 1/2 cups red grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups yellow grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups kalamata olives, halved
1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese, plus more for topping
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for topping
1 red onion, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

For the dressing: In a jar or bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and some salt and pepper until totally combined.
For the salad: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and let cool.
Place the orzo, chickpeas, red and yellow tomatoes, olives, feta, parsley and onions in a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Stir to combine and taste; add salt and pepper if needed. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Top with more feta and parsley and serve as a main dish salad or with grilled chicken, fish or burgers!

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN ORZO

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo image

Orzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here's a bonus: Leftovers reheat really well! -Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 4h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup sliced pitted green olives
1 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Steps:

In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until chicken, pasta and vegetables are tender, adding orzo during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 19g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 86mg cholesterol, Sodium 941mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

Tips:

Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. If possible, use organic vegetables and free-range chicken.
Cook the orzo al dente: Orzo should be cooked al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape in the salad.
Let the salad cool completely before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.
Use a variety of vegetables: The more vegetables you use, the more colorful and flavorful the salad will be. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many ways to customize this salad to your liking. Try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses. You could also use a different type of dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a Greek yogurt dressing.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad in Red Pepper Cups is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a summer party or potluck. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The salad is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is sure to be a hit with your guests.