Go Back
To make a tasty Greek Orzo Salad with Chicken, you'll need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste You can make this salad your own by adding: - Avocado for creaminess - Artichoke hearts for a unique flavor - Spinach or arugula for extra greens - Grilled zucchini for added texture - Roasted red peppers for sweetness Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Cherry tomatoes: Look for firm ones with a bright color. - Cucumbers: Pick ones that are smooth and firm. - Bell peppers: Choose peppers with shiny skin and no blemishes. - Olives: Go for plump olives; they should smell briny and fresh. - Parsley: Fresh parsley should be vibrant and not wilted. Using fresh produce gives your Greek Orzo Salad a lively taste and makes it fun to eat! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, boil a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 1 cup of orzo. Cook it for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. When done, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps the orzo firm and fresh. In a big mixing bowl, combine the salad's main ingredients. Start with 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Then add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Next, toss in 1 diced cucumber and 1 diced bell pepper. Add 1/2 finely chopped red onion and 1/2 cup of sliced black olives. Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix these ingredients to blend them well. In a small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste this dressing and adjust it if needed. This dressing adds a bright flavor to your salad. Now, it is time to mix everything. Add the cooled orzo pasta to the salad bowl with the chicken and veggies. Pour the dressing over the top. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. To finish, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley over the salad. Give it one last gentle toss. This adds color and freshness. Taste your salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy the bright flavors and textures in every bite. To cook orzo just right, follow these steps: - Boil water in a large pot and add salt. - Add orzo and stir it well. - Cook as per the package, usually 8-10 minutes. - Test a piece for doneness; it should be firm, not mushy. - Drain orzo and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This method gives you orzo that is not too soft and keeps the dish fresh. If you have any salad left, store it with care: - Place it in an airtight container. - Keep it in the fridge for about 2-3 days. - Avoid adding dressing until serving to keep it fresh. This way, your salad stays tasty and crisp for your next meal. Presentation makes your dish more appealing. Here are some tips: - Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates. - Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color. - Add a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh touch. A beautiful plate will make your Greek orzo salad shine at any table. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Cook Orzo Perfectly: To achieve the best texture, make sure to cook the orzo until it’s al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy once added to the salad. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, artichokes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can enhance the salad’s flavor profile. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combination! {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free option, swap orzo for rice or quinoa. Both work well and keep the salad tasty. For a vegan version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use a dairy-free cheese instead of feta. This keeps the salad rich in flavor while meeting your dietary needs. You can add more zest to your salad! Try adding artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. These ingredients boost flavor and add color. Nuts like pine nuts or walnuts bring a nice crunch too. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can enhance the taste even more. This salad shines as both a main dish and a side. When served as a main, it fills you up with protein and veggies. If you serve it as a side, pair it with grilled meat or fish. Either way, the Greek Orzo Salad with Chicken is sure to impress. Enjoy it at picnics, lunches, or parties! To store Greek Orzo Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for optimal taste. Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers help prevent spills and keep the salad crisp. If you have smaller portions, consider using smaller containers. This makes it easier to grab a quick meal. Greek Orzo Salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it tasting great, check for signs of wilting or spoilage. If any ingredients look off, it’s best to toss the salad. Always taste a small bite before serving leftovers to ensure freshness. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Small shapes work best. Try fusilli or penne. These shapes hold the dressing well. Just cook them until al dente. This salad is full of nutrients. One serving has about 400 calories. It includes protein from chicken and healthy fats from olive oil. You also get fiber from veggies. Each serving has roughly: - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 5g This salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend after a day. Just remember to stir it before eating. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Just mix everything but the dressing. Add the dressing just before serving for best taste. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with pita bread and hummus. For a drink, try lemonade or iced tea. Greek Orzo Salad is simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients, steps for cooking, and tips for freshness. You can adjust the salad to match your taste. Store any leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Remember, experimenting with flavors makes this dish shine. I hope you feel confident making it your own and sharing it with others. Enjoy every bite!

Mediterranean Burst Orzo Chicken Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring orzo pasta, shredded chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, topped with a zesty dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole cucumber, diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 whole red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to incorporate the ingredients evenly.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference; this dressing will elevate the flavors of the salad.
  • Add the cooled orzo pasta to the bowl with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Pour the prepared dressing over the top. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well-coated with the dressing and evenly mixed.
  • Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad mixture. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the herbs throughout the salad.
  • Take a moment to taste your salad. If desired, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or a dash of lemon juice to enhance the freshness.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, serve in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with extra parsley and a lemon wedge.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Mediterranean, orzo, salad