Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad
Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad
Introduction
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Greece with this delightful Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad. This vibrant dish is a perfect balance of tangy lemon, savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and hearty orzo pasta. Ideal for a light lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dried orzo pasta
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear them until cooked through. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine and ensure everything is coated in the dressing.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy the Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs about Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad
What is Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad?
Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, mixed with orzo pasta, crisp vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and a tangy lemon dressing.
How is Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad made?
To prepare Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Cook orzo pasta and let it cool. Combine the cooked chicken, orzo, diced vegetables, feta cheese, and olives in a large bowl. Toss with a dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.
What are the key ingredients in Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad?
The key ingredients in Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad include chicken breast, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, orzo pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Can Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad can be
