Best 2 Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Salad Recipes

When it comes to flavor, Mediterranean cuisine hits all the right notes. With its vibrant and bold flavors, Mediterranean cooking will delight your taste buds while also being healthy and nutritious. When preparing Mediterranean meals, fresh, local ingredients that are in season should always be used. This ensures that each dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Mediterranean orzo chicken salad is a flavorful dish that fits perfectly into the Mediterranean diet with its protein-packed chicken, fiber-filled orzo, and fresh, crisp vegetables. There are many different variations of this classic dish, allowing you to customize it to your own personal taste preferences.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO CHICKEN SALAD

Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Salad image

On hot days, I pull out this recipe for a cool supper. The lemon dressing is so refreshing. If you have it, used grilled chicken. -Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked whole wheat orzo pasta
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled tomato and basil feta cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water and drain well., In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cheese, olives and onion. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 16g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 407mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 10g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN AND ORZO SALAD IN RED PEPPER CUPS

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad In Red Pepper Cups image

This yummy recipe won my mom a blue ribbon at the Wisconsin State Fair. It is very beautiful and flavorful!

Provided by geranium

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Greek Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h1m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

½ pound uncooked orzo pasta
¼ cup olive oil
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon dried basil
¾ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
¼ cup black olives, cut in half lengthwise
2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 grilled chicken breast half, diced
2 red bell peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
4 sprigs fresh oregano

Steps:

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the orzo, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink, transfer to a bowl, and let cool in the refrigerator.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, stir together the cooked orzo, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and chicken breast meat until thoroughly combined. Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture, lightly mix to coat all ingredients with dressing, and spoon into the red pepper halves. Garnish each serving with an oregano sprig.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461.9 calories, Carbohydrate 52.3 g, Cholesterol 30.9 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 579.9 mg, Sugar 4 g

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a good-quality olive oil.
Don't overcook the orzo. It should be cooked al dente, with a slight bite to it.
Let the salad cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors meld together.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. For example, you could add more vegetables, different herbs, or a different type of cheese.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean orzo chicken salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. It is packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs, and tender chicken. The dressing is light and tangy, and it brings all of the flavors together perfectly. Whether you are serving it for lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit.