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Greek Chicken Orzo Salad

Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is a fresh Mediterranean pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, orzo, feta, crisp vegetables, and homemade herb dressing.
Ready in about 40 minutes.
Perfect for meal prep, lunches, picnics, and family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean, Greek

Ingredients
  

Dressing

  • ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • ½ cup chopped fresh dill basil, oregano, and/or thyme
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Salad

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
  • ⅓ cup basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 pound dry orzo
  • 2 cups cubed feta cheese
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 –3 Persian cucumbers chopped
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 2 roasted bell peppers sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped pepperoncini

Instructions
 

  • In a large serving bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, chopped shallot, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Toss the chicken tenders with basil pesto and balsamic vinegar until evenly coated.
  • Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until al dente according to the package directions. Drain well.
  • Immediately add the warm orzo to the bowl with the dressing and toss thoroughly so the pasta absorbs the flavorful dressing.
  • Add the chopped chicken, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, roasted peppers, and pepperoncini.
  • Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad can be served immediately while slightly warm or refrigerated until chilled for even deeper flavor.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken.
  • Fresh mozzarella pearls can replace feta for a milder flavor.
  • Add sliced avocado just before serving.
  • Fresh parsley provides another layer of freshness.
  • The salad tastes even better after chilling for several hours.