Description
A fresh and vibrant Lemon Orzo Salad with perfectly grilled chicken, tossed with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
Dressing
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside to cool.
- Grill the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the chicken cooks, chop the fresh spinach, dice the cucumber, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced grilled chicken. Pour the lemon and olive oil dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, vibrant taste or refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld for a chilled option.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before grilling.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous or quinoa for a gluten-free version.
- Adding crumbled feta or olives can enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile of the salad.
- This salad keeps well overnight and can be prepared in advance for meal prep.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after tossing the salad as needed.
