Name: Greek Chicken Orzo Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of Greece with the heartiness of orzo pasta. This salad is packed with fresh ingredients and zesty flavors, making it the perfect meal for a warm summer day or a light and healthy dinner option any time of the year. Whether you’re a fan of Greek cuisine or simply looking for a new salad recipe to add to your collection, this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup of orzo pasta

– 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cucumber, diced

– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

– 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

– 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese

– 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped

– 1/4 cup of olive oil

– 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Follow these steps to prepare the Greek Chicken Orzo Salad:

1. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

5. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and gently toss to incorporate.

6. Serve the Greek Chicken Orzo Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Variations

There are several variations you can try to customize the Greek Chicken Orzo Salad to your liking:

– Add roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.

– Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon.

– Incorporate some chopped artichoke hearts for an extra tangy taste.

– Include some diced avocado for added creaminess.

– Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Greek Chicken Orzo Salad turns out perfectly:

– Make sure to cook the orzo pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when combined with the other ingredients.

– For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling.

– Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your personal preferences. You can add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste.

– If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Greece to your table. With its combination of fresh ingredients, zesty flavors, and hearty orzo pasta, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a quick and healthy meal, this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Greek Chicken Orzo Salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While orzo pasta works well in this salad, you can certainly substitute it with another small pasta shape like penne or fusilli if you prefer.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor to the salad, you can use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add some extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted eggplant to make a delicious vegetarian version of the Greek Orzo Salad.