Description
Cajun Chicken Orzo Salad with Creamy Dressing is a flavor-packed, satisfying dish made with seasoned chicken tenders, pesto-tossed orzo, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun-style seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound dry orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 2 roasted bell peppers, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Season the chicken by placing it in a bowl with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Lightly sprinkle with salt and black pepper and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 10–12 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked and nicely browned. Set aside to rest, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce, chopped pickles, pickle juice, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until tender but firm, following package directions. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. While warm, stir in the basil pesto until evenly coated.
- Add the shredded lettuce and cucumber to the orzo, then mix in about one-third of the dressing. Gently fold in the sliced chicken, roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
- Finish by topping the salad with sliced avocado and drizzling with extra dressing as desired. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg