Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad with Feta
This Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad with Feta is a delightful dish bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. It's perfect for a summer picnic or a cozy dinner at home, combining tender chicken breast, al dente orzo, ripe tomatoes, crispy red onion, and crumbly feta cheese, all brought together with a tangy dressing. The freshness of Italian parsley adds a lovely herbaceous note, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it's quick to prepare and serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings. This salad is so delicious, you'll want to enjoy it every day!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cooked, cooled, and diced into bite-size chunks)
large tomatoes
2 (chunky diced)
small red onion
1 (small diced)
crumbled feta cheese
4 ounces (none)
red wine vinegar
2-3 tablespoons (none)
olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (none)
garlic clove
1-2 (minced super fine)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Italian parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook on medium heat until fully cooked, then let it cool before dicing into bite-sized chunks.
2
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add orzo pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down. Ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the final salad.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, small diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
4
Add the cooled orzo and chicken to the bowl, gently mixing until all ingredients are well combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more vinegar or olive oil as desired, based on your flavor preferences.
5
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring tender chicken breast, al dente orzo pasta, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese tossed in a tangy dressing.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves 4 people.
What type of pasta is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked orzo pasta.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooked on medium heat, cooled, and then diced into bite-sized chunks.
How should I cook the orzo?
Cook the orzo in boiling water until it is al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
Why do I need to rinse the orzo under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water cools the pasta down quickly and removes excess starch to prevent it from sticking or adding excess moisture to the salad.
What ingredients are used for the dressing?
The dressing is a combination of red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
How should the tomatoes be cut?
The tomatoes should be chunky diced for the best texture.
What type of onion is recommended?
A small red onion, small diced, is recommended for its color and sharp flavor.
Can I use different herbs?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped Italian parsley for a fresh herbaceous note.
How much garlic is needed?
Use 1 to 2 cloves of garlic, minced super fine.
How much vinegar and oil should I use?
The recipe suggests 2-3 tablespoons each of red wine vinegar and olive oil.
Does the salad need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, it should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.
Why does the salad need to chill?
Chilling allows all the Mediterranean flavors to meld together beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a summer picnic or gatherings.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
Yes, you can serve this salad either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Absolutely; you should taste the final mix and adjust with more vinegar, olive oil, salt, or pepper based on your preference.
What kind of chicken is used?
The recipe requires 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast.
What spices are used for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe that is ideal for busy schedules.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a variety of textures: tender chicken, al dente pasta, crispy red onion, and crumbly feta.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, as long as it is cooked, cooled, and diced into bite-sized chunks.
How do I ensure the salad isn't watery?
Make sure the orzo is well-drained after rinsing to avoid excess moisture.
What kind of parsley should I use?
The recipe specifically mentions Italian parsley.
Can I make this as a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a satisfying one-dish meal containing protein, carbs, and vegetables.
Is the feta cheese mixed in or topped?
The crumbled feta is combined in the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients before adding the pasta and chicken.
What is the main flavor profile?
The profile is tangy and refreshing with Mediterranean influences.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
While red wine vinegar is specified, you can use other vinegars, though it may slightly alter the traditional Mediterranean flavor.