Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bowl of lemon chicken orzo salad with herbs and vegetables for a savory pasta salad lunch.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A bright and hearty salad featuring tender orzo, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a lemony dressing. Perfect for lunches, dinners, and meal prep during early fall.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 medium grilled chicken breasts, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula, loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook orzo for 7–9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water, then toss with a drizzle of olive oil.

    2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill or sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then dice.

    3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

    4. In a large bowl, combine orzo, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, parsley, and feta.

    5. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.

    6. Serve immediately or chill. For stored salad, refresh with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice before serving.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: salad
    • Method: grilling
    • Cuisine: mediterranean

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cup
    • Calories: 350
    • Sugar: 3
    • Sodium: 450
    • Fat: 18
    • Saturated Fat: 4
    • Unsaturated Fat: 10
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 30
    • Fiber: 2
    • Protein: 25
    • Cholesterol: 65

    Keywords: lemon chicken orzo salad, lemony pasta salad, chicken orzo salad recipes, light lunch ideas, savory pasta salad, september salad recipes, meal prep, mediterranean salad