Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad is a colorful and delicious dish that’s perfect for summer. It combines tender grilled chicken with soft orzo, fresh veggies, and a zingy dressing. This salad is so easy to make and is great for a light lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh seasonal produce!

Why You Will Love This Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad

This salad is a real winner for busy families. It features simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for weeknight meals or picnics. Everyone will love the combination of flavors, and it’s a dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad

Making this salad is a breeze! Start by cooking your orzo, and while it cools, grill the chicken. Once everything is ready, toss it all together with a fresh dressing. It takes just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a vibrant meal that looks like you spent hours preparing.

What You Need

1 cup uncooked orzo
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
1 ripe avocado, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling chicken)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step

Boil salted water and cook orzo according to package instructions (8–10 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Season chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
In a large bowl, combine orzo, grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, onion, feta, and herbs. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to combine.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for enhanced flavor or serve immediately.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad

This salad is fantastic served as a light main dish. You can pair it with some crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit for a full meal. It’s also great as a side dish at barbecues or family gatherings. If you’re looking for a simple, healthy lunch, this salad shines on its own!

How to Store Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad

To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This salad doesn’t typically freeze well due to the avocado, but you can store all the components separately if needed. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just give it a gentle toss, and it’s good to go!

Recipe Tips

Cook the orzo al dente so it maintains a nice texture.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or cucumbers.
If you love more tang, add extra lemon juice to the dressing.
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand.

Variations & Swaps

Swap the grilled chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Add some nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a crunchy texture.
Use quinoa instead of orzo to make it gluten-free while still being hearty.
Replace feta with goat cheese for a creamier, tangy flavor.
For a whole grain spin, opt for whole wheat orzo or farro.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep the dressed salad in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Flavors deepen after marinating but be cautious with the avocado—it may brown slightly.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended because the texture of ingredients like avocado and tomatoes can change once thawed. If you have leftover dressing, that can be stored in the fridge for future meals!

What if I don’t have orzo?
You can substitute orzo with any small pasta like petite shells, ditalini, or even couscous. These alternatives maintain a delightful bite similar to the original.

What can I serve with this?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled veggies, crusty baguette, or even a refreshing yogurt dip. It fits well into summer picnics and barbecues too!

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
To keep avocado fresh, make sure to eat the salad within a day or two of making it. You can also add lemon juice directly to the diced avocado to slow down the browning process.

This salad is sure to become a go-to recipe for your family. Enjoy every bright bite!