Description
A vibrant summer salad featuring grilled chicken, orzo, and fresh vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water.
- Grill the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over them. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, diced avocado, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs. Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve with a Smile: Plate the salad, top with additional feta and herbs if desired, and drizzle with any leftover dressing.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after sitting for a while. Store the dressing separately until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, orzo salad, summer salad, healthy recipes, Mediterranean cooking