Go Back
+ servings

Cajun Chicken Orzo Salad with Creamy Dressing

A vibrant salad featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, orzo pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing, perfect for warm evenings or picnics.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the salad
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun-style seasoning
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 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
For the creamy dressing
  • 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
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is well-coated.
  2. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook your seasoned chicken tenders for about 10–12 minutes, turning once until golden brown and juicy. Let rest before cutting into strips.
  3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce, chopped pickles, pickle juice, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk together and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until tender but still slightly firm. Drain, transfer to a large bowl, and while warm, mix in the basil pesto.
Assembly
  1. Add shredded lettuce and cucumber to the orzo, then mix in about a third of the creamy dressing. Gently fold in chicken strips, roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
  2. Top off your salad with sliced avocado and drizzle with extra dressing if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

This salad can be served warm or chilled. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Dressing should be stored separately for best taste.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!