This Pesto Chicken Caesar Orzo Salad is where creamy meets fresh, and hearty meets vibrant. The tender orzo pasta soaks up a luscious blend of basil pesto and Caesar dressing, creating a rich yet tangy flavor base. Roasted broccoli adds a slightly charred, nutty bite that balances the creaminess, while juicy chicken makes it a complete and satisfying meal.
Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this salad can be served warm or chilled depending on your mood. The lemon juice brightens every bite, Parmesan lends a savory depth, and fresh parsley ties it all together with a burst of herbal freshness. Whether you’re packing it for work or serving it at your dinner table, this dish guarantees compliments and happy forks.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
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1/3 cup basil pesto
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1/4 cup Caesar dressing (creamy style)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 15–18 minutes, until tender with crisp edges.
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While broccoli roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, roasted broccoli, and diced chicken.
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In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
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Pour dressing over the orzo mixture and toss until evenly coated.
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm or chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction
The Pesto Chicken Caesar Orzo Salad with Roasted Broccoli is a beautiful fusion of Italian-inspired flavors and classic salad comfort. This dish blends creamy Caesar dressing, fragrant basil pesto, and tangy lemon juice into a silky coating for tender orzo pasta. The roasted broccoli adds depth and texture, while juicy chicken transforms it into a satisfying main course. What makes this salad truly special is its versatility it’s equally delicious served warm or cold, perfect for quick dinners, meal prepping, or even picnic baskets.
The combination of pasta and salad might seem unusual at first, but orzo bridges the gap between the two seamlessly. Its rice-like shape soaks up dressings beautifully, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. And when you add Parmesan cheese, parsley, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, the result is a salad that’s creamy, tangy, fresh, and lightly spiced all at once.
The Appeal of Orzo in Pasta Salads
Orzo pasta is a hidden gem in the pasta world. Although it resembles rice, it’s made from semolina flour, giving it the same tender chewiness you expect from pasta. In cold dishes, orzo maintains its shape and texture without becoming mushy, while in warm recipes, it absorbs flavors quickly. For this recipe, orzo’s small, smooth shape helps it hold onto both the pesto and Caesar dressing, making each mouthful rich and flavorful.
Orzo also cooks in just around 8–10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for fast meals. When paired with roasted vegetables and protein, it creates a balanced, complete dish that feels more elevated than a standard pasta salad.
Why Roasted Broccoli Makes a Difference
While you could easily steam or blanch broccoli for this recipe, roasting it unlocks a whole new level of flavor. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the broccoli, creating crispy edges and a nutty undertone. This contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender pasta.
Roasted broccoli also holds up better in a dressed salad, especially if you plan to refrigerate it. Instead of becoming soggy, the florets retain a pleasant bite, keeping the salad fresh and appealing for days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors deepen over time without losing quality.
Balancing Flavors with Pesto and Caesar Dressing
The combination of basil pesto and Caesar dressing might sound indulgent, but it’s a genius pairing. Pesto brings vibrant herbal notes, garlic, and nuttiness from Parmesan and pine nuts, while Caesar dressing adds creaminess, tang, and a subtle anchovy depth. Together, they create a complex yet harmonious dressing that clings beautifully to the orzo.
The lemon juice lightens the richness, preventing the salad from feeling heavy. The crushed red pepper flakes, while optional, add a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
Chicken as the Protein Star
Adding chicken turns this pasta salad into a hearty, complete meal. Using cooked chicken breast ensures the dish stays lean while still delivering satisfying protein. For extra flavor, you could use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, which adds a smoky or savory note.
Because the dressing is so flavorful, even plain poached chicken works beautifully here. The salad absorbs its seasonings during mixing, making every bite tender and well-seasoned.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is a balanced combination of carbs, protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Orzo provides sustained energy, while chicken delivers lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety. Olive oil and pesto bring healthy fats, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the broccoli and herbs.
Broccoli itself is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. Parmesan adds calcium and protein, while parsley offers additional vitamins and a burst of fresh flavor. Together, they create a meal that nourishes without sacrificing indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
- Warm Dinner Bowl: Serve it straight from the mixing bowl while the pasta and broccoli are still warm for a comforting dinner.
- Chilled Lunch Salad: Refrigerate and enjoy cold for a refreshing midday meal.
- Picnic or Potluck Dish: Pack it in a large serving bowl for outdoor gatherings it travels well and tastes great at room temperature.
- Side Dish for Grilled Meats: Pair with grilled salmon, steak, or shrimp for a summer cookout.
If you want to make it a little fancier, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top before serving. This adds crunch and a rich, nutty aroma.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cook the Orzo Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the orzo ensures it won’t turn mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Dress While Warm: Adding the dressing while the pasta is still slightly warm allows it to soak in better.
- Roast Broccoli Evenly: Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet for maximum caramelization.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If making ahead, reserve some dressing to stir in right before serving.
Possible Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add roasted chickpeas or cannellini beans for plant-based protein.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted red peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Different Pasta: Swap orzo for small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or pearl couscous.
- Herb Twist: Try arugula pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto for a flavor change.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. It’s indulgent without being heavy, fresh yet comforting, and sophisticated while still easy to make. The mix of textures creamy pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and juicy chicken makes it exciting to eat, while the bright herbal flavors keep you coming back for more.
It’s also a forgiving recipe. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pesto and Caesar dressing. If you have extra time, you can make both from scratch for an even fresher, more personalized touch.
Conclusion
The Pesto Chicken Caesar Orzo Salad with Roasted Broccoli is more than just a pasta salad it’s a complete, flavorful meal that works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it warm for dinner, chilled for lunch, or as part of a gathering spread, it delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition.
With its creamy-herb dressing, roasted vegetables, and satisfying protein, this dish is both comforting and refreshing. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create something truly delicious. Keep it in your recipe rotation, and you’ll always have a go-to option for when you need a dish that’s quick, versatile, and sure to impress.