Chicken Orzo Salad

Chicken Orzo Salad is the kind of dish that perfectly balances lightness, flavor, and satisfaction. With tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it’s a refreshing meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Orzo — a rice-shaped pasta — gives the salad a delicate, elegant texture that absorbs every drop of the dressing, while the chicken adds heartiness and protein. Bright ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, and feta bring Mediterranean flair, and a lemony vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Chicken Orzo Salad because it feels like sunshine in a bowl — vibrant, light, and utterly satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple to make yet feels special every single time you eat it.

What truly makes it shine is the balance of textures and flavors — tender pasta, crisp veggies, creamy feta, and the tang of lemon vinaigrette. It’s not too heavy but filling enough to be a complete meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Bright and refreshing: Perfect for warm days or light lunches.
• Protein-packed: Chicken adds a hearty, satisfying bite.
• Great for meal prep: Keeps beautifully for several days.
• Flavor explosion: The combination of lemon, herbs, and feta is irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (grilled or rotisserie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Cook orzo until al dente, then cool.
2. Prepare and cook the chicken (if not pre-cooked).
3. Chop vegetables and make dressing.
4. Toss everything together in a large bowl.
5. Chill or serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. If using raw chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Grill, bake, or sauté until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
3. Let cool slightly, then dice or shred.
   (Rotisserie chicken also works perfectly and saves time!)

Step 3: Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust — add more lemon for brightness or more olive oil for smoothness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, spinach, and olives (if using).
2. Pour the dressing over the salad.
3. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh parsley or dill on top.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

• For a warm salad, serve immediately.
• For a cold salad, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Save it

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Orzo Salad:

• As a main meal with a slice of garlic bread or pita.
• As a side dish alongside grilled salmon, steak, or vegetables.
• At picnics or potlucks, served chilled for a refreshing option.

Top with a drizzle of extra olive oil or an extra squeeze of lemon just before serving for added brightness.

Recipe Tips

• Salt the pasta water well: It’s the only chance to flavor the orzo.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slight firmness holds up better in salads.
• Use fresh lemon juice: It makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Let it chill: The flavors intensify after resting in the fridge.
• Double the dressing: The pasta can absorb some dressing as it sits, so keep a bit extra to refresh before serving.

Variations

1. Greek Chicken Orzo Salad:
   Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of oregano.
2. Creamy Chicken Orzo Salad:
   Mix 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the dressing for a creamy twist.
3. Pesto Orzo Salad:
   Swap the lemon dressing for basil pesto and add sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Vegetarian Version:
   Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein.
5. Spicy Mediterranean Salad:
   Add a pinch of chili flakes or a spoonful of harissa for heat.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

To Freeze:

• Not recommended, as the texture of pasta and fresh vegetables can become mushy.
• You can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling orzo)
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or jar with lid (for dressing)
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Chicken Orzo Salad is a bright, wholesome, and satisfying dish that brings together the best Mediterranean flavors — zesty lemon, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables — all tossed in a fragrant, light dressing.

It’s a dish that feels elegant yet approachable, nourishing yet refreshing. Perfect for busy weekdays, sunny weekends, or festive gatherings, it’s one of those recipes that proves that healthy food can be absolutely delicious.

Chicken Orzo Salad

Chicken Orzo Salad is the kind of dish that perfectly balances lightness, flavor, and satisfaction. With tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it’s a refreshing meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Author: Stella Parker Course: Salads

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

For the Salad:

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (grilled or rotisserie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Orzo : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken : If using raw chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill, bake, or sauté until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Let cool slightly, then dice or shred. (Rotisserie chicken also works perfectly and saves time!)
3. Step 3: Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing : In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust — add more lemon for brightness or more olive oil for smoothness.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Salad : In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, spinach, and olives (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated. Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh parsley or dill on top.
5. Step 5: Serve or Chill : For a warm salad, serve immediately. For a cold salad, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Keywords: Chicken Orzo Salad