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️ Zippy Orzo Summer Salad Recipe - orzo salad - Orzo salad: Make this zippy summer delight in 25 minutes. Packed with chicken, corn, and fresh dill, it's a refr

Zippy Orzo Summer Salad Recipe

This zippy orzo salad is the ultimate summer side dish, perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light weeknight meal. It combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken, crisp cucumber, sweet corn, and aromatic dill, all coated in a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. This orzo salad recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor. Ideal for warm weather gatherings, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the vegetables, add different proteins, or even make it vegetarian. It's a crowd-pleasing orz
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1-2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or cut into small pieces
  • 1-2 cups chopped cucumber
  • 1-2 cups baby spinach
  • 1-2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels, cut off the cob
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Crumbled goat cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, minced

Method
 

  1. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh corn kernels; saute for 3-4 minutes until the corn is bright yellow and tender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, rotisserie chicken, chopped cucumber, baby spinach, sauteed corn and garlic, and fresh dill.
  4. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add crumbled goat cheese if using.
  5. Toss everything gently to combine all the vibrant ingredients.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

- For extra flavor, toast the orzo lightly in the dry pot before adding water.
- Use fresh corn kernels whenever possible for the best sweetness and texture.
- If serving cold, let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.