Orchard Salad Food

ORZO SALAD

Steps:

• To make the dressing, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Set the dressing aside.
• To make the salad, combine the bell pepper, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, olives, walnuts, mint and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of salt and a small splash of olive oil. Add the orzo and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain the orzo in a colander, then add it to the vegetable mixture while the orzo is still hot. Immediately pour the dressing onto the orzo and vegetables, and stir to combine. The hot orzo will readily absorb the dressing. Add a splash more olive oil if the salad seems too dry. Allow the salad to cool to room temperature, and add the feta, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
• Give the salad a stir, then taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, if need be.

ORCHARD SALAD

Steps:

• Coarsely chop lettuce.
• Squeeze a little lemon juice over apples and pears and toss with greens.
• Combine cider, vinegar and sugar in a bowl and whisk in oil in a slow stream.
• Pour dressing over salad, season with salt and pepper, toss to combine and coat evenly.
• Serve salad with a garnish of sliced sharp cheddar cheese.

SWEET ORCHARD SALAD

Steps:

• Pour 1/4 cup dressing over pears; toss to coat. Let stand 15 min.
• Toss greens with pecans, cherries and cheese in large bowl. Add pear mixture and remaining dressing; mix lightly.

ORCHARD-FRESH GRILLED CHICKEN SALADS

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium heat.
• Pour 1/4 cup dressing over chicken in shallow dish; turn to evenly coat both sides of each breast. Refrigerate 10 min.
• Remove chicken from dressing; discard dressing. Grill chicken 6 to 8 min. on each side or until done (165°F). Slice chicken.
• Cover 4 salad plates with salad greens; top with chicken, peaches, onions and nuts.
• Drizzle with remaining dressing just before serving.

APPLE ORCHARD CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Grill chicken on an indoor grill coated with cooking spray for 5-7 minutes or until a thermometer reads 179°. Meanwhile, for dressing, combine the apple juice concentrate, oil and yogurt in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well., On four plates, arrange the salad greens, apples, onion, pecans and cheese. Slice chicken; place over salads. Drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with apple chips.