Chicken and Orzo Salad Recipe

Chicken and Orzo Salad has a high-calorie, average-carb, high-fat and high-protein content. It is a good source of Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin and Folate.

The food contains 40.6g of carbs. The carbohydrate profile of the the food reveals it is average in complex carbs and low in Simple carbs. Carbs are our primary source of energy but its source should be chosen with utmost care. Complex carbs are a more desirable addition to your diet, where as simple carbs should be consumed in moderation as it is very easily broken down, assimilated and absorbed in the body. Its low sugar content puts it in the bottom 20 percentile. This is a good thing for people watching their sugar intake. With 16.2 gms of protein, it is high in protein content, which is an important macronutrient that helps with tissue repair, provides energy and improves immunity.

However, the high fat content makes it unsuitable if you're on a low-fat diet plan. It's average MUFA and low PUFA. In terms of Polyunsaturated Fat content it is ranked in the bottom 20% of all food items. It is also ranked in the bottom 20 percentile in terms of its Monounsaturated Fat content, which are considered among "good fats".

It is also rich in Vitamin C, whose benefits include, but are not limited to protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

It gives a good yield of Iron at 4.34 gms/ serving, and should be included in an Iron rich diet. Iron is essential to help carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles and other organs, and is especially helpful for pregnant women. It has an average density of Sodium, thus making it suitable for a low-sodium diet. It is also high in Magnesium, an essential micronutrient that regulates functioning of muscles and nerves and heart beat. It is also average in Selenium, an important antioxidant especially in combination with Vitamin E. Given that this is also average in Vitamin E, it is qualifies as good food source.

Ideally consumed as a Side Dish.

Based on the composite nutritive standing Chicken and Orzo Salad has been given a composite ranking of 81, and on a regular basis.