Easy Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad – Fresh Mediterranean Healthy Dinner Recipe
This Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad is a vibrant symphony of flavors and textures that excites the taste buds. It’s a perfect balance of smoky grilled chicken, al dente orzo, and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying yet light meal.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Orzo pasta (durum wheat semolina orzo)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- English cucumber, diced
- Red onion, finely diced
- Bell peppers, diced (yellow, red, or orange)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh dill or mint (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Minced fresh garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
- Toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Marinate 20–30 minutes or longer if possible.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat 5–7 minutes per side until 165°F (74°C).
- Rest chicken 5–10 minutes, then dice or shred.
- Cook orzo in salted boiling water 8–10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water, then drain well.
- Chop vegetables and herbs.
- Whisk dressing: olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper.
- Combine orzo, chicken, vegetables, and herbs in a bowl.
- Add dressing and toss gently.
- Fold in feta and olives if using.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Let chicken rest after grilling for better juiciness.
- Rinse orzo to prevent sticking.
- Can be made ahead for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg