CHICKEN ORZO SALAD

Chicken Orzo Salad image

Like no other Chicken Salad you have ever had. Orzo pasta, chicken, cantaloupe and grapes are coated with a zesty citrus dressing, and topped with crunchy cashews.

Provided by BARBARA BREITSAMETER

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 5h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup orange juice
1 ½ tablespoons vinegar
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
4 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
1 cantaloupe, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
¾ cup cashew halves
1 head lettuce leaves, for lining salad bowls

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt, and orange zest. Stir in cooked chicken until coated. Stir in cooked orzo, cantaloupe, grape halves, and mayonnaise. Cover and chill for 4 to 6 hours. Just before serving, stir in cashews. Serve in lettuce lined bowls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 656.9 calories, Carbohydrate 65.6 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 28.2 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 37.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 496.5 mg, Sugar 18.8 g