Description
Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the satisfying texture of orzo pasta. This vibrant salad features tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing that perfectly complements the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cup fresh arugula or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup olive oil for dressing
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. To start, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the orzo and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps the orzo maintain its firm, slightly chewy bite. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl, ready to be combined with the other salad ingredients.
2. Prepare the chicken by coating the breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The dressing should have a balanced flavor, with the acidity from the lemon juice and the sweetness from the honey complementing each other perfectly.
4. In the large bowl with the cooked orzo, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh arugula or baby spinach. Toss in the grilled chicken pieces and drizzle the lemon dressing over the top. Gently mix everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top of the salad. The vibrant colors and textures of this Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad make it a visually appealing and appetizing dish.
Notes
Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a main course for a light and refreshing lunch or pair it with grilled proteins, crusty bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a more substantial dinner. The salad also makes an excellent addition to a picnic or potluck spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg