Sweet Citrus Chicken and Orzo Salad

Notes/Suggestions: This dish combines the sweet tart of the oranges, the liquorish of the tarragon and crunch of the almonds. Makes 6-8 servings.

Indredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
  • 1 16oz box of orzo
  • 2 10 oz. cans of mandarin oranges, drained with liquid reserved
  • 1 sweet bell pepper, cut into bite sized pieces (I like to use the red ones)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped or slivered roasted almonds (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh tarragon,
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic
  • zest from 1/2 a lemon
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook the orzo according the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a blender, puree the mayonnaise, tarragon, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and 1/4 cup of the mandarin orange syrup.  If you have a handheld emulisfier that is a good tool here too.
  3. Combine the orzo and chicken and toss with the dressing. Gently fold in the oranges, peppers and almonds.
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper.