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Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad with Avocado

A vibrant and nutritious salad combining grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and chewy orzo pasta, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup orzo pasta Whole grain orzo for extra fiber.
  • 2 pieces grilled chicken breasts Use pre-cooked to save time.
  • 1 piece ripe avocado, diced Substitute with lime juice for zest.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled For vegan alternative, use nutritional yeast.
Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Use a lighter dressing for fewer calories.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish
  • to taste Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

Method
 

Cooking the Orzo
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
Grilling the Chicken
  1. While the orzo is cooking, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Preparing the Vegetables and Dressing
  1. While the chicken is grilling, chop your tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Combining Everything
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, diced grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and mix well.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best flavor.