Peach Basil Chicken Orzo Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette
My Peach basil chicken salad Chicken recipe is here Juicy peaches orzo basil a hot honey vinaigrette make this the perfect summer salad recipe Easy delish ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a Peach basil chicken salad that's sunshine in a bowl? Honestly, this recipe is the taste of summer. It's sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy. You know?
Brief Overview
This chicken and peach salad is a modern twist on classic American flavours. It's easy-peasy to whip up, taking only about 40 minutes.
You'll get about 6 servings, perfect for a BBQ or easy summer lunch ideas .
Main Benefits
This peach salad recipe is packed with protein and vitamins. It’s just perfect for a sunny picnic or a light dinner.
What makes it special? The hot honey vinaigrette – it's the bomb.
Gathering Your Goodies for Peach Perfection
So, the real star of the show is the peaches. Think sweet, ripe, but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Honestly, nothing beats the juicy burst of a good peach. Then you've got the orzo which is like the understudy, holding its own.
Don't overcook it, otherwise, it will get mushy and be gross. Use my tips and tricks for your next peach orzo salad .
Peach Basil Chicken Orzo Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, mate! Fancy making this epic peach basil chicken salad Chicken recipe? It's easier than spotting a black cab in London. Here's what you'll need.
The Main Players
For this chicken and peach salad , here's what to grab.
- Orzo Pasta: 1 (16 oz / 454g) box . Get some good orzo. It makes all the difference to this orzo pasta salad .
- Chicken: 1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless thighs. Look for chicken that's pink and firm. Smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, pepper, to taste. Season to your heart's content.
- Peaches: 2-3 large, ripe . They should smell amazing. Dice them up like a pro chef.
- Corn: From 2 ears , cooked, around 1 ½-2 cups (250-375g) of kernels. Fresh corn is best!
- Mozzarella Pearls: 8 oz (227g) . Bocconcini are the bomb. They add a creamy touch.
- Red Onion: ½ cup (50g) , thinly sliced. Makes it pop.
- Fresh Basil: ½ cup (packed / 12g) , sliced, plus extra for garnish. Gotta have that herby freshness for this basil chicken salad !
Seasoning Notes – Spice It Up!
This hot honey vinaigrette is the real MVP.
- Olive Oil: ½ cup (120ml) . Go for a good quality one.
- Hot Honey: ⅓ cup (80ml) . Trust me, it's worth it.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For that tangy kick!
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Fresh is best.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 teaspoons (10ml) . Adds a bit of zing.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The flavour!
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Black Pepper: Cracked, to taste.
If you fancy a change you can always try experimenting with other options for your summer salad recipes .
Gear Up: What You Need
Don’t worry, you don’t need Michelin star kit!
- Large Pot: For the orzo.
- Colander: To drain the orzo.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For assembling the salad.
- Small Jar/Bowl & Whisk: For that hot honey vinaigrette .
- Frying Pan: To cook the chicken (or grill/oven).
- Cutting Board & Knife: You know the drill.
Seriously, this Peach basil chicken salad Chicken recipe is so doable. Anyone can throw together this easy summer lunch ideas ! And the peach orzo salad ? Divine! If you are looking for a recipe for a peach salad recipe that gives a light summer salad recipes , the peach basil chicken salad Chicken option is one of the best.
You got this, you really do! Honestly, this is one of my fave summer salad recipes .
Cooking Method: Nailing That Peach Basil Chicken Salad Chicken
Alright mates, let's talk cooking this amazing salad. I want to share how to make the perfect Peach basil chicken salad Chicken .
Honestly, it's easier than queuing for a cuppa at Pret. You know? This chicken salad recipe is a winner. Think easy summer lunch ideas .
It's seriously the bees knees.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place . That's fancy chef talk for getting everything prepped. Dice your peaches, slice the basil, and get that orzo ready.
Now, for time-saving: Cook the orzo while the chicken's doing its thing. Honestly, multitasking is your best friend here. But don't forget to pay attention to the internal chicken temperature .
Safety first! Be careful with that knife, yeah? A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy
- Cook the orzo pasta salad : boil until al dente. That's not mushy. Then, drain and rinse it.
- Whisk the hot honey vinaigrette . Combine the olive oil, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken to 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't undercook it.
- Dice the chicken. Let it cool a bit first, yeah? Nobody wants burnt fingers.
- Assemble the salad. Combine the orzo, chicken, peaches, corn, mozzarella, red onion, and basil.
- Dress the salad. Pour over the vinaigrette and mix it up.
- Garnish and serve. Extra basil? Absolutely.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad
My secret weapon? A little bit of lemon zest in the vinaigrette for extra zing. Makes it that peach salad recipe .
A common mistake? Overcooking the orzo. Keep an eye on it! You don't want a gloopy mess. I've been there.
Make-ahead tip? You can cook the chicken and orzo a day in advance. Store them separately. Don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve to prevent it from becoming soggy.
It's the best of summer salad recipes .
This chicken and peach salad is so much more than just a salad, mates. It's a flavour adventure. Hope you enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Peach Basil Chicken Salad Chicken
Alright, let's chat about this Peach Basil Chicken Salad Chicken recipe! Honestly, I've made this so many times, I practically do it in my sleep.
These are a few things that have helped me nail it every single time.
Serving Up Sunshine: Presentation & Pairings
Presentation can be super simple. I love piling the peach orzo salad high on a plate. A scattering of extra fresh basil? Chef's kiss .
For drinks, think summery and refreshing. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio always hits the spot with this chicken and peach salad .
You know, something light that won't overpower the flavors. Thinking easy summer lunch ideas? This chicken salad recipe is your winner.
Storing Like a Pro
Leftovers? If there are any! This basil chicken salad keeps well in the fridge. Pop it in an airtight container.
It'll be good for about 3 days. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. The mozzarella pearls and peaches might get a bit weird.
Nobody wants soggy orzo pasta salad , right?
Twists and Turns: Let's Customize!
Fancy a veggie version? Easy peasy! Just ditch the chicken and add in some grilled halloumi or even chickpeas. If you are looking for summer salad recipes , you must consider the halloumi as an option.
Need it gluten-free? Swap the regular orzo for gluten-free orzo. And for my spice lovers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to that hot honey vinaigrette !
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, let's keep it real. This salad has good stuff! You are getting a good amount of protein from the chicken.
Peaches are packed with vitamins and that peach salad recipe gives you that juicy flavour. It is a delightful recipe.
Just be mindful of the dressing, so that you don't pour a gallon of the grilled chicken salad on the chicken and peach salad .
So, there you have it! It's easier than you think. You got this. Go on and make some Peach Basil Chicken Salad Chicken magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Peach basil chicken salad Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Peach basil chicken salad Chicken is actually better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Prepare all the components separately – cook the orzo and chicken, chop the veggies, and make the vinaigrette. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, just before serving (within 2-3 days), toss everything together. Don't dress it all at once though, or it'll get soggy like a wet weekend in Blackpool!
What's the best way to store leftover Peach basil chicken salad Chicken?
Store leftover Peach basil chicken salad Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Be aware that the orzo may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to add a splash of extra vinaigrette before serving to freshen it up, or even a squeeze of lemon! Just like Mum used to say - waste not, want not!
I don't have hot honey! What can I use instead for the vinaigrette?
No worries, a bit of improvisation is the spice of life! If you don’t have hot honey, simply use regular honey and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce (like sriracha or a few drops of tabasco) to the vinaigrette. Start with a small amount of heat and adjust to your liking. You're aiming for that "zing" that makes this salad so special, like a proper cup of Yorkshire Tea.
Can I use a different type of cheese other than mozzarella pearls?
Definitely! While mozzarella pearls add a lovely creamy texture, you can easily substitute with other cheeses. Feta cheese will bring a salty, tangy flavour, while goat cheese offers a creamier, more pungent alternative. Even some cubed cheddar would work! Think of it like choosing your favourite biscuit with a cuppa - there's no wrong answer, it all depends on your taste.
I'm vegetarian! How can I adapt this recipe?
No sweat, turning this into a veggie delight is easy peasy! Omit the chicken, of course. For a protein boost, add grilled halloumi cheese (which holds its shape beautifully), chickpeas, or even some roasted tofu. You could also add some extra grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk up the salad and keep it hearty. Sorted!
My peaches aren't quite ripe enough. What can I do?
Even peaches that are a bit on the firmer side can be used to make this Peach basil chicken salad Chicken - it is not an issue. Try grilling or pan-frying the peach slices lightly to caramelize them a bit and bring out their sweetness. Alternatively, you can let them sit at room temperature for a day or two in a paper bag with a banana or apple, which releases ethylene gas and helps them ripen faster. Think of it as giving them a little pep talk to sweeten up!
