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Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad

Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad: The Perfect Summer Delight

This Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad is a refreshing summer dish, combining juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and orzo pasta with a zesty citrus vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo pasta substitute with gluten-free orzo if needed
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts can use leftover or rotisserie chicken
  • 1 piece avocado add just before serving
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes substitute with diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion can be omitted if preferred
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese can use goat cheese or mozzarella
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil) use any seasonal herbs
For the Citrus Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup olive oil use high-quality oil for flavor
  • 2 tbsp vinegar any light vinegar like white wine or apple cider
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey maple syrup can be used as vegan option
  • 1 clove garlic fresh minced garlic recommended

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill, let rest, and slice thinly.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together for 1-2 minutes until the dressing is well emulsified.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the cooked orzo, sliced grilled chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and your choice of herbs. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss gently.
  5. Serve immediately for a warm meal or cover and chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep ingredients like avocado separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness. Avoid freezing due to perishable ingredients.

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