Herbed Orzo and Chicken Salad

This was a really nice salad, great for a weeknight dinner. It serves 6, easily, which means that there is plenty for last minute company or to pack for lunches the next day.

Salad:

about 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

canola oil

salt and pepper

1 cup orzo

1 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 bunch green onions, white and light green parts sliced thinly

¼ cup chopped curly parsley

leaves from about 5 thyme sprigs

6oz crumbled feta cheese

Vinaigrette:

juice from 2 small lemons

roasted garlic oil, to taste

kosher salt

fresh cracked pepper

(adjust as necessary to have about ¼ cup of vinaigrette)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rub chicken breast lightly with canola oil and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Bake in a casserole dish for 30min or until cooked through. Set aside.

Boil water and then cook the orzo until tender. While orzo is cooking, mix green onions and tomatoes in a large bowl with chickpeas. Add herbs and feta. Dice baked chicken and add to bowl.

Drain pasta. While pasta is cooling slightly, mix together vinaigrette ingredients and season to taste. Add orzo to bowl. Drizzle vinaigrette over top and toss salad.

Serve warm or chilled. Salad is nice over a bed of arugula or baby lettuces.

[Recipe adapted from Orzo Salad with Chickpeas, Dill, and Lemon, Cooking Light, August 2002: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/orzo-salad-with-chickpeas-dill-lemon-10000000338370/]