Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe
A refreshing and hearty Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad featuring tender grilled chicken breasts, al dente orzo pasta, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 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
For the Dressing:
- 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 according to package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes), until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and chopped herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use a grill pan indoors if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
- To make this salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled vegetables instead.
- You can substitute cilantro with fresh parsley for a milder taste.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors but it can also be enjoyed right away.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Orzo Pasta Salad, Healthy Lunch, Light Dinner
Find it online: https://annakocht.com/grilled-chicken-orzo-salad-recipe/
