Imagine a summer day where every forkful transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece - that's exactly what this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad promises! This isn't just another pasta salad; it's a vibrant, refreshing culinary journey that combines tender chicken, al dente orzo, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese in a light, zesty dressing. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, meal preppers, and anyone craving a taste of Mediterranean cuisine without hours of complicated cooking.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Pour orzo pasta into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and dice cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain cooked orzo in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Prepare vegetables by washing and chopping cherry tomatoes in half, dicing cucumber into small cubes, and finely dicing red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo, diced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Create dressing by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating of ingredients.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and fold gently to distribute.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing main course or side dish.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook orzo al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Chicken Choice: Use leftover grilled chicken or quickly pan-sear fresh chicken for best flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to intensify.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to add kalamata olives or swap parsley with fresh dill for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Keep It Fresh: Add feta and dressing just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
- Temperature Matters: Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
