Ah, the Greek Chicken Orzo Salad! This dish holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to share it with you. I can still vividly remember the first time I whipped this up for a summer BBQ. The sun was shining, laughter filled the air, and this vibrant salad was the star of the potluck table. Everyone was delighted by the bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and I felt like a culinary rockstar for bringing it!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm, or cold, making it perfect for meal prep or a picnic in the park. Serve it as a side dish or a main course; either way, you’ll impress your friends and family with this delicious creation. Trust me when I say, each bite transports you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Greek Chicken Orzo Salad?
Orzo Pasta: This delightful little pasta looks like rice but has a charmingly chewy texture. It’s the perfect base for absorbing all the delicious flavors of this salad. I always go with whole wheat orzo for an extra nutty flavor!
Cooked Chicken: A hefty cup of shredded chicken brings protein to our salad, and if I’m in a pinch, I love using rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and a juicy sweetness. When in season, they burst with flavor, but even off-season, they hold their own in this salad.
Black Olives: Pitted and sliced black olives introduce a rich, briny flavor that balances the freshness of the other ingredients. Kalamata olives work beautifully here too!
Red Onion: A little bit of thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp kick. If it’s too intense for your taste, a quick soak in cold water can tone it down.
Fresh Parsley: This herb adds a fragrant freshness that brightens the dish. Don’t skip it—it’s like a little green hug for your salad!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta queso is the pièce de résistance! It brings a creamy tang that completes the Greek experience. Look for a high-quality brand if you can—your taste buds will thank you!
Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil not only makes for a splendid dressing, but it’s also packed with healthy fats, so drizzle generously!
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a lovely acidity to balance all the flavors. It’s what makes every bite pop!
Dried Oregano: The quintessential herb in Greek cuisine. It lends a warm, earthy flavor that ties everything together. Fresh oregano is also a delightful option if you have some on hand!
Salt and Pepper: The classics! Adjust these seasonings to your preference for the best flavor.
Is Greek Chicken Orzo Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! Each ingredient contributes to a balanced meal.
Orzo: While it’s a carb, whole wheat orzo can offer some fiber and keep you full longer.
Chicken: It’s an excellent protein source, which is great if you’re trying to eat leaner.
Tons of Veggies like cherry tomatoes, parsley, and red onion add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the mix. They’re like nature’s little health bombs!
Feta: While it does contain fat, it’s also rich in flavor, so a little goes a long way. Plus, it provides calcium and protein.
Remember to keep an eye on portions if you’re watching your calorie intake, and feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!
Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (can use rotisserie chicken)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves 4-6*
How to Make Greek Chicken Orzo Salad?
1. Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and rinse under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool down your pasta.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, fresh parsley, and feta cheese. It should look absolutely gorgeous!
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to create your dressing.
4. Pour the luscious dressing over the orzo salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Taste your creation and make any necessary seasoning adjustments. More salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar might be just what you need!
6. Serve right away if you can’t resist, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow all those delicious flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Additional Tips
Think of this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad as a canvas! You can easily add variations: throw in some capers for an extra briny kick, or swap the chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. You could also toss in some roasted red peppers to add a smoky flavor or even some cucumber for a refreshing crunch!
Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. And don’t forget—this salad is just as lovely the next day, so make extra and let the flavors develop overnight!
I hope you give this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad a try! It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent and fabulous without the guilt. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
