Italian Caprese Chicken Orzo Salad

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Ingredients

• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb heirloom tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the orzo until just al dente, usually 8 to 9 minutes; drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil so it does not clump.
2. 2While the pasta cooks, pat chicken dry, season both sides generously with salt and pepper, and heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
3. 3Cook the chicken breasts 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F; transfer to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. 4Toast the pine nuts in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, shaking often, until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes; set aside to cool.
5. 5Cut the heirloom tomatoes into bite-size wedges or chunks and place in a large mixing bowl with the mozzarella pearls.
6. 6Mince the garlic and whisk it with the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a bright dressing.
7. 7Add the cooled orzo, sliced chicken, baby spinach, and most of the torn basil leaves to the tomatoes and mozzarella.
8. 8Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly so every piece of pasta and chicken is coated and the spinach just wilts from the residual warmth.
9. 9Taste and adjust salt or balsamic; the salad should taste juicy from the peak tomatoes and herbaceous from the basil.
10. 10Transfer to a serving platter or portion into lunch containers; scatter the toasted pine nuts and remaining basil on top just before serving so they stay crunchy and vibrant.
11. 11This salad holds well refrigerated up to 2 days; give it a quick toss and a splash of olive oil if it tightens up.