Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad – A Vibrant Summer Meal You’ll Crave
When the heat of summer rolls around, nothing quite hits the spot like a refreshing Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad. Bursting with flavor and vibrant ingredients, this delightful dish perfectly blends protein, grains, and fresh veggies to keep your meals light and satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
There are a plethora of reasons to whip up this Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad. Firstly, it’s a perfect summer meal that requires minimal cooking (especially if you grill the chicken outside). The combination of grilled chicken and orzo makes it filling without weighing you down. With the inclusion of crunchy veggies and creamy avocado, you don’t just get a flavor explosion but an array of nutrients packed into each bite. It’s versatile too; pairing well as a standalone meal, side dish, or even a lunch option for meal prepping. Plus, you can easily tweak it with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this colorful and delicious Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad. You’ll find it’s quite simple and allows for plenty of customization.
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
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
Directions:
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Begin by boiling salted water in a pot. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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While the orzo is cooking, season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken over medium heat for approximately 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well emulsified.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, grilled chicken strips, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped herbs. Pour the dressing over this mixture and gently toss everything together until well-coated.
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For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving. You can also serve it immediately if you’re pressed for time.
Pro Tips for Success Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
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Cook the Orzo Al Dente: Be sure to cook the orzo until just al dente as it will continue to absorb dressing when mixed.
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Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken for a few hours before grilling with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Incorporating fresh, in-season veggies will elevate the flavor of your salad, so pay attention to what’s available at your local farmer’s market.
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Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Dice your avocado and other vegetables to a uniform size for even distribution in the salad.
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Leftover Chicken Works Too: If you have leftover grilled chicken from previous meals, feel free to use that to save time.
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Make the Dressing Ahead: Preparing the dressing a day in advance allows for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Flavor Variations Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
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Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
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Swap the Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or cubed mozzarella also make delicious alternatives.
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Change the Protein: Substitute the grilled chicken with shrimp, tofu, or grilled halloumi for a different protein option.
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Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
This Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad can shine on its own as a light meal, but it pairs wonderfully with other summer dishes. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or grilled corn on the cob for a complete picnic-worthy feast. You can also present it as a side dish during barbecues or potlucks.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, making it suitable for meal prep or lunch on the go. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. However, to keep the avocado looking vibrant, you might want to store it separately, adding it just before serving.
Freezing is not recommended due to the textures of the ingredients, particularly the avocado, which does not fare well once frozen and thawed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
FAQ About Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
Can I use whole wheat orzo instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat orzo is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a more fiber-rich option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may slightly vary, so be sure to check the package instructions.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Orzo is traditionally made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free orzo pasta options available made from rice or corn. Look for these alternatives to keep the dish gluten-free.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can easily adapt the salad to be vegan by omitting the chicken and feta cheese. Replace it with chickpeas for protein and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the ingredients can stay as they are.
How can I meal prep this salad?
This salad is perfect for meal prepping! Make it in advance and store it in individual containers. Just keep the avocado separate until you’re ready to consume to prevent browning.
What can I serve with Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad?
Besides garlic bread or grilled vegetables, consider serving it with a light soup, such as gazpacho, or a simple green salad.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad is a summer staple that combines flavors, textures, and a colorful presentation that’s sure to please any crowd. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it allows for a wealth of customization that caters to various dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it at a family gathering or as a quick lunch, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself craving it all summer long!
Print
Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free orzo), Dairy-Free (if omitting feta)
Description
A vibrant and refreshing salad perfect for summer, featuring grilled chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
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
- 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
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook the orzo according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill over medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest and then slice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic, and seasoning until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes for enhanced flavor or serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Leftover chicken can be used to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
