Delicious Greek Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe – Fresh, Zesty & Satisfying
When I want something fresh, flavorful, and filling—but still light enough for lunch or a warm-weather dinner—this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is my go-to.
It combines juicy grilled chicken, tender orzo pasta, and all the best Mediterranean flavors: crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta, and a bright lemon-herb dressing that ties it all together.
It’s a one-bowl wonder—perfect for meal prep, potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.
It tastes amazing warm, at room temperature, or straight from the fridge, which makes it one of those rare, versatile recipes that truly works any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Orzo Salad
🍗 Packed with protein from grilled chicken
🍋 Fresh and vibrant, with a lemony dressing
🥗 Loaded with colorful veggies and Mediterranean flair
⏱️ Quick and easy, ready in about 30 minutes
🥣 Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, grilled or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Greek Chicken Orzo Salad
🍝 Cook the orzo in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
🍗 While the orzo cooks, prep your chicken and veggies. If you’re using leftover grilled or roasted chicken, just chop or shred it. If cooking fresh, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, then grill or pan-sear until golden and cooked through.
🥗 In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
🥄 In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
🍋 Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon if you like.
🧊 Chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving, or enjoy it right away!
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
🥬 Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra greens
🫒 Use green olives or marinated artichokes for variety
🧀 Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out for dairy-free
🌶️ Add roasted red peppers or a pinch of chili flakes for a kick
🥑 Toss in some avocado for creaminess right before serving
Tips for the Best Greek Orzo Salad
✔ Cook the orzo just until al dente—don’t overdo it
✔ Rinse the pasta after cooking to keep it from sticking
✔ Let it sit for a bit to let the flavors meld
✔ Use high-quality olive oil and feta for best flavor
Storage
📦 Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
🍋 Refresh with an extra splash of lemon juice or olive oil before serving
🥶 Not freezer-friendly, but perfect for meal prep during the week
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad is everything I love in a meal—bright, wholesome, and totally satisfying. It’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrients, and it works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for serving guests. Make it once, and you’ll have a new go-to for summer dinners, weekday lunches, and everything in between. 🥗💙🇬🇷
