Orzo Chicken Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing

By Pattywak

This healthy chicken recipe uses just six ingredients, and the DIY dressing is made with just four. Serve with red sweet pepper strips and no-sugar-added canned mandarin oranges.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup dried whole wheat or regular orzo pasta (3 ounces)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese (2 ounces)
• 1 recipe Avocado-Lime Dressing

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, cook orzo according to package directions, adding corn during the last 1 minute of cooking; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well. In a large bowl, combine orzo mixture, chicken, tomatoes, and cilantro. Sprinkle with cheese.

Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours. To serve, drizzle with Avocado-Lime Dressing. Makes 4 servings (about 1 cup salad and 1/4 cup dressing each).

In a blender or food processor combine avocado, water, finely shredded lime peel, lime juice, garlic, crushed red pepper, and salt.
Cover and blend or process until smooth.
Transfer dressing to a small bowl.
Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.