Recipe Swap: Citrus and Chicken Orzo

I have a confession: I've been eating like crap lately. My husband said that he feels like his diet has been horrible, so last night he made a big bowl of fruit salad. I looked at his bowl of fresh fruit and thought, "Boy, a pizza sounds really good right about now." In other words, I'm not doing a lot to help myself out here.

My eating habits depend on solid routine and my routine lately has been rushed. It is something along the lines of get up, make a latte, go to work, eat fried cafe food, come home, eat quick dinner (frozen meals), go to bed, repeat. I would like to try to find a balance between health and convenience. If this blog can help motivate my switch, then let's do this thing!

I thought I'd share a quick, easy and healthy recipe I discovered recently that has been a household meal lifesaver.

Citrus and Chicken Orzo

Ingredients: (All my ingredients are from Trader Joe's - high five for affordability!)

1/2 package of Trader Joe's Just Grilled Chicken Strips (or 2 grilled chicken breasts)
1 package of orzo
1 container of cherry or grape tomatoes
1 package of frozen peas 
1 container of Ciliegine mozzarella
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 tablespoons of champagne vinegar
Juice from 1/2 orange or lemon (I've also used 1/4 cup of fresh lemonade)
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Using a large pot, set water to boil.

2. Blanche entire bag of frozen peas. Immediately strain and place in bowl of cold water.

3. In the same large, boiling pot, cook the entire bag of orzo for 9 minutes.

4. Place cooled peas in large bowl. Cut cherry tomatoes in half and place in same large bowl. Cut each mozzarella ball in half and place in the same large bowl.

5. Cut grilled chicken into small cubes. (If you are using the TJ Just Grilled Chicken, defrost for 8 minutes in microwave, then cut.) Place chicken in large bowl with previous ingredients.

6. Strain orzo and place in bowl of cold water. When cool, place in the large bowl with peas, tomatoes, chicken and mozzarella.

7. Pour in olive oil, champagne vinegar, citrus juice, salt and pepper into orzo as you gently combine ingredients.

I love this recipe because it makes a huge amount of food that lasts for up to a week if properly stored in the fridge. We've substituted asparagus for the peas and added corn as well. My husband likes to add chili flakes to his to give it some kick. This recipe also works well for vegetarians - substitute chicken for firm tofu or leave it out completely.

If you have any other suggested twists on this recipe, please share them in the comments. Enjoy!