Introduction
Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of Greece in a light and satisfying salad. This recipe is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something healthy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish, this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Greek Chicken Orzo Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 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 dill, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
1. Start by cooking the chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry them until they are cooked through. Once cooked, let them cool for a few minutes, then slice them into thin strips.
2. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh dill. Add the sliced chicken and cooked orzo pasta.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Serve the Greek Chicken Orzo Salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or served as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
Variations
This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add some chopped fresh mint or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
– Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
– Add some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness.
– If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even mozzarella.
Tips
Here are some helpful 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 as it sits in the salad.
– To save time, you can use leftover cooked chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own.
– If you’re planning to make this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
– Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste. If you love olives, add more. If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, use less.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this salad is sure to impress. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad in advance. Simply prepare all the ingredients and keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. Toss everything together with the dressing just before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While orzo works best for this recipe, you can certainly use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Penne or fusilli would be good alternatives.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add some extra vegetables or even some cooked chickpeas for added protein.
How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
Greek Chicken Orzo Salad
A delightful and refreshing salad that combines the flavors of Greece in a light and satisfying dish. Perfect for hot summer days, this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup orzo pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
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Juice of 1 lemon
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3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Start by cooking the chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry them until cooked through. Let them cool, then slice into thin strips.
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Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh dill. Add the sliced chicken and cooked orzo pasta.
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Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy as a main course or side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
