Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad perfect for summer. This wholesome salad combines tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese tossed with al dente orzo pasta and a zesty homemade dressing. Ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this recipe balances textures and tastes with nourishing ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly, then set aside to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing thinly.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, sliced grilled chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld for a more robust taste.
Notes
- Rinse cooked orzo under cold water and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken for 30 minutes in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before grilling.
- Boost nutrition and color by adding greens like baby spinach or arugula.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or extra mashed avocado.
- Include tangy ingredients such as feta cheese or lemon juice to balance richness.
Keywords: grilled chicken orzo salad, summer salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy chicken salad, orzo pasta salad
Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/grilled-chicken-orzo-salad-recipe/
