Description
A bright, fresh salad featuring grilled chicken, orzo, and crisp vegetables in a tangy lemon dressing, perfect for summer dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep first: Bring 2 cups water or broth to a boil in a small pot. Add orzo and a pinch of salt, cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry, then rub with olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit 5 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and slice: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Combine salad: In a large bowl, toss cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and half the feta. Add sliced chicken on top.
- Dress and finish: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle remaining feta and a little extra parsley.
Notes
Use unsalted chicken broth to control salt levels. Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg