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Weeknight • Chicken

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad

A bright, vibrant, and satisfying salad featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad

Get ready for a burst of sunshine in a bowl! Our Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad is light yet satisfying, packed with lean protein, tender pasta, and an abundance of fresh, colorful vegetables. It’s drizzled with a zesty lemon-herb dressing that ties all the glorious Mediterranean flavors together. Perfect for a refreshing lunch, a flexible dinner, or a fantastic potluck contribution, this salad is pure joy!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Salad

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook orzo according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drain again thoroughly.

  2. Step 2

    While orzo cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

  5. Step 5

    Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (you might want a little more salt or lemon). Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Tips

  • To save time, use a rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken. It's a fantastic shortcut!
  • Add some chopped bell peppers or capers for extra crunch and tang.
  • This salad holds up well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it great for meal prep.

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