Description
Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender herb-marinated chicken, orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, lunches, or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, half of the salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.
- Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and remaining salt.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Add sliced chicken and mix lightly.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving if desired.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Rinsing the orzo helps prevent sticking and cools it quickly.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra flavor.
- Add roasted red peppers for additional Mediterranean flavor.
- This salad is excellent for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Medititerranean