Nothing says summer quite like a fresh, vibrant salad that combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with a medley of Mediterranean vegetables. The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Salad is a perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings, whether you’re planning a healthy lunch, packing a picnic, or enjoying a light yet satisfying dinner.
This delightful recipe brings together tender grilled chicken tenderloin, orzo pasta, and a colorful array of vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing. The result is a dish that’s as nourishing as it is refreshing, bursting with flavors that transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Healthy & Flavorful: Lean chicken tenderloin, whole grains, and plenty of veggies make this salad both nutritious and packed with flavor.
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad is easy to prepare for any occasion.
- Versatile: Whether served fresh off the grill or chilled after letting the flavors blend in the fridge, it’s perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors. Then, grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked. Once done, let it rest before slicing.
2. Cook the Orzo
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the orzo. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Once it’s al dente, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Prep the Vegetables
While the orzo cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives. These fresh, crisp vegetables add a beautiful color and texture to the salad.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a simple yet flavorful dressing.
5. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced grilled chicken. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs
Top the salad with freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
You can serve this salad immediately for a warm and vibrant meal, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Whether you enjoy it fresh or chilled, this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Salad is sure to become a favorite go-to dish for summer.
Serving Suggestions:
This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread for a more filling meal, or on its own for a light, healthy option.
Final Thoughts:
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or packing it for a picnic, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and savor the taste of summer!
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Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Savor the taste of summer with this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken and Orzo Salad. This dish combines tender grilled chicken tenderloin, vibrant orzo pasta, and fresh Mediterranean vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch, a delightful picnic dish, or a satisfying dinner option that brings a burst of fresh flavor to your plate.
Ingredients
2 chicken tenderloins
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, marinate for at least 15 minutes.
– Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.
2. Cook the Orzo:
– Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
– While the orzo is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red onion, and slice the olives.
4. Make the Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Add the sliced grilled chicken.
– Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Add Fresh Herbs:
– Add the chopped parsley and gently mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
– Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400