Greek Chicken Orzo Pasta Salad (40 Minutes + Chill Time)

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Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek chicken orzo pasta salad, a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion.

Packed with succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and tender orzo, all tossed in a light homemade dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this pasta salad is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delicious taste!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour chill time
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the salad:

  • 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked according to package instructions and cooled
  • 1 pound chicken breast, grilled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salad Components (20 minutes): Cook the orzo according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside. Grill the chicken breast until fully cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the Salad (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, sliced chicken, red onion, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley
  1. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  2. Toss Salad with Dressing (5 minutes): Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
  3. Chill and Serve (1 hour): For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
  4. Garnish (2 minutes): Just before serving, give the salad a final toss. If desired, garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

This Greek chicken pasta salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or as a standout side dish at your next gathering.

The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and aromatic dressing makes this salad a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any meal.

Enjoy the freshness, simplicity, and deliciousness of this delightful salad.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 225mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 58mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Focaccia Bread

Grab 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm water, a packet of active dry yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of salt. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle in yeast, and wait till it's frothy (5 mins). Mix this with flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Once you've got a dough, let it rest until doubled in size (about 1.5 hours). Transfer it to a baking sheet, poke some dimples in with your fingers, drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt and herbs (rosemary's a classic!). Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Oven Baked Potato Chips

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take 2 to 3 large potatoes and slice them as thinly as you can, preferably using a mandolin slicer. This will ensure even cooking. Rinse the slices in cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess starch. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure they aren't overlapping. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle some finely chopped rosemary over the top if desired - the fresher, the better. Season with sea salt according to your preference. Pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they're crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end, to ensure they don't burn. Once out, let them cool slightly to further crisp up.

Homemade Apple Sauce

Grab about 4-6 apples (mix and match varieties for fun flavors), ¾ cup water, a pinch of salt, and sugar or honey to taste. For an aromatic twist, toss in a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon. First, peel, core, and chop your apples. Throw them in a pot with the water, salt, and optional cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, letting those apples soften for 20-30 minutes. Once they’re all mushy and the kitchen smells like heaven, mash 'em up with a fork or potato masher. Sweeten if desired, and voilà, you’ve got applesauce! Serve it warm or cold.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!