Description
This Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad is fresh, hearty, and packed with flavor. Juicy grilled chicken, tender orzo, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, feta cheese, and a bright lemon Dijon dressing come together in one satisfying bowl. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions (8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Brush chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a small bowl, whisk remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, remaining salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine orzo, grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, and herbs.
- Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.
Notes
- Add avocado just before serving if making ahead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra protein, add chickpeas.
- No grill? Bake chicken at 400°F for 20–22 minutes.
- If the salad feels dry after chilling, add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg