Greek Chicken Orzo Salad: Your New Favorite Mediterranean Dish

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad: Your New Favorite Mediterranean Dish!

Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece with the incredibly delicious and trending "Greek Chicken Orzo Salad"! This vibrant and wholesome dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing that will have you craving more. Whether you're planning a light lunch, a flavorful dinner, or need a show-stopping side for your next gathering, this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is an absolute must-try. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and bursting with the fresh, clean flavors of the Mediterranean.

Why You'll Love This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad

This salad isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a complete meal packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, and an abundance of fresh produce. The small, rice-shaped orzo pasta perfectly complements the other ingredients, soaking up all the delicious dressing without becoming heavy. Lean chicken breast provides a hearty base, while crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese add layers of flavor and texture. It's the ideal balance of refreshing and filling, making it a versatile dish for any season.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Greek Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo Salad:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Greek Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then dice or shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo Pasta

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the orzo thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from sticking. This also helps cool it down for the salad. Set aside.

Step 3: Whisk the Lemon-Herb Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta, diced chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Greek Chicken Orzo Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For optimal taste, chill for 1-2 hours.

Serve chilled as a main course or a refreshing side dish. Enjoy your taste of the Mediterranean!

Pro Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Orzo Salad:

• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour in the olive oil and spices before cooking.

• Don't Skip the Rinse: Rinsing the orzo pasta with cold water after draining is crucial. It stops the cooking process, removes excess starch, and prevents the pasta from clumping together.

• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs work in the dressing, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens up the entire salad.

• Make Ahead Magic: This salad is fantastic for meal prep! The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent option to prepare a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Variations to Explore:

• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), artichoke hearts, or chickpeas would be delicious additions.

• Different Protein: Grilled salmon, shrimp, or even a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans can be substituted for chicken.

• Creamy Twist: For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the lemon-herb dressing.

• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can add a subtle heat.

The Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to enjoy fresh, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful food. Its Mediterranean charm and easy preparation make it an instant classic for any home cook. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation!

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