Description
A vibrant summer salad featuring grilled chicken, orzo, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing that celebrates seasonal produce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Grill the chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Grill over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes on each side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until well combined.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, grilled chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta, and freshly chopped herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each component is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, though it’s equally fantastic served right away.
Notes
For optimal freshness, store the avocado separately until serving. This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg