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Greek Chicken Salad

This Mediterranean chicken salad has totally transformed my lunch game because it brings together tender chicken with perfectly cooked orzo pasta crisp colorful vegetables and salty crumbles of feta all tossed in this bright lemon herb dressing and what makes it really special is how it manages to feel light while still being totally satisfying plus it only takes thirty minutes to put together and works great for meal prep because the flavors actually get better after sitting in the fridge for a while which makes busy weekdays so much easier.

Featured in Satisfying Salad Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:11:09 GMT
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A colorful bowl of orzo pasta salad topped with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Pin it
A colorful bowl of orzo pasta salad topped with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. | alicesrecipes.com

My Fresh Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This bright and beautiful salad brings all the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. Tender grilled chicken juicy vegetables and orzo pasta come together with a lemony herb dressing that makes every bite feel like sunshine. It's one of my favorite healthy meals that never feels like health food.

Why You'll Love This Salad

Every bowl is loaded with Mediterranean goodness from salty feta and olives to fresh herbs and vegetables. It's filling enough for dinner but light enough for lunch. Plus it's packed with good protein and healthy fats that keep you satisfied.

What You'll Need

  • • Juicy Chicken: 2 breasts marinated in olive oil lemon garlic oregano salt and pepper
  • • Perfect Pasta: 1 cup orzo cooked just right and cooled
  • • Fresh Vegetables: 1 diced cucumber 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes ½ sliced red onion
  • • Tangy Cheese: ½ cup crumbled feta
  • • Salty Olives: ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • • Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons each parsley oregano and dill chopped
  • • Zesty Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 minced garlic clove 1 teaspoon Dijon 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar salt and pepper
A bowl of orzo pasta topped with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A bowl of orzo pasta topped with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, garnished with parsley. | alicesrecipes.com

Let's Make It Together

Start With The Chicken
Get those flavors going with a quick marinade then grill until perfectly done about 5-6 minutes each side. Let it rest before slicing.
Cook Your Orzo
Boil the pasta in salted water for 7-8 minutes until it's just tender. Give it a cold rinse to cool it down.
Prep The Fresh Stuff
Chop all your vegetables get those olives ready and crumble the feta.
Mix Up The Dressing
Whisk your olive oil lemon juice garlic Dijon and vinegar until it's smooth and combined.
Put It All Together
Toss your cooled orzo with all the veggies olives and feta. Pour over that gorgeous dressing add your chicken and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Switch It Up

  • • Different Protein: Try it with shrimp tofu or lamb
  • • New Grain: Quinoa or couscous work beautifully
  • • Extra Veggies: Add roasted peppers zucchini or artichokes
A bowl of orzo pasta salad topped with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Pin it
A bowl of orzo pasta salad topped with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. | alicesrecipes.com

Save It For Later

Keep your salad fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. Pro tip keep the dressing separate until serving to keep everything crisp. A splash of lemon juice brightens it right up when you're ready to eat.

Make It A Meal

Serve this with warm pita and hummus add some tzatziki on the side or include stuffed grape leaves for a real Greek feast. It's perfect for lunch boxes picnics or feeding a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead. Add feta and dressing just before serving for best results.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace orzo with quinoa or rice. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ Will the cucumber get soggy?

For meal prep, add cucumber just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The vegetables may soften but flavor improves.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A bright Mediterranean salad combining marinated chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and herbs in a lemony dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 cup orzo pasta.
02 2 chicken breasts.
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
05 2 tablespoons olive oil.
06 Salt and pepper to taste.
07 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
08 1/2 English cucumber, diced.
09 1/4 red onion, sliced.
10 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved.
11 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled.
12 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
13 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
14 1 tablespoon fresh dill.
15 1 garlic clove, minced.
16 1/4 cup olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil orzo according to package. Drain and cool.

Step 02

Season with herbs and spices. Heat oil in skillet. Cook 6-7 minutes per side. Rest before slicing.

Step 03

Combine orzo, chicken. Add all vegetables. Mix in olives and feta.

Step 04

Whisk lemon juice, herbs, garlic. Stream in olive oil. Season to taste.

Step 05

Toss with dressing. Serve immediately or chill.

Notes

  1. Great meal prep option.
  2. Can use rotisserie chicken.
  3. Customize vegetables.
  4. Travels well.
  5. Make ahead friendly.
  6. Perfect summer meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Sharp knife.
  • Whisk.
  • Pot for pasta.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (feta cheese).
  • Wheat (orzo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 25 g