This Chicken Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy goat cheese, and perfectly cooked orzo, tossed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. It’s the ideal dish for those seeking a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. It is one of my favorite party salads.
I love to take a good pasta salad to a family gathering. Here are two fun ones: my pickle pasta salad and my tri-color pasta salad.
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Why this Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because not only is it quick and easy, it’s also incredibly delicious. It’s a great recipe for potlucks or a light dinner.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Great for lunches, picnics, or as a side dish at gatherings.
- Flavorful: Combines creamy goat cheese with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Components can be prepared ahead for convenience.
Can I Substitute the Goat Cheese in this Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! Feta cheese is a great alternative, offering a similar tangy flavor. For a milder taste, consider using mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Pro Tip for this Pasta Salad Recipe
Add Texture – Toss in toasted almonds, pine nuts, or feta cheese for extra texture and richness.
Ingredient Notes to Make Chicken Orzo Salad
To make this recipe that’s perfect for potlucks, there are just a few easy ingredients that are needed.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Orzo: A rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Chopped Chicken: Grill the chicken or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. Be sure to season the chicken breasts before using.
- Goat Cheese: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor; crumble it for even distribution.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley enhances freshness; use what you have on hand.
Variations and Substitutions for Orzo Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
This orzo chicken salad recipe is super easy to customize. I like to take it to the next level by using different ingredients or trying different flavors.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
- Use Different Cheese: Toss the salad with different cheese. Swap goat cheese with feta or mozzarella.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added crunch.
How to Make Orzo Salad with Chicken
This recipe comes together in 3 easy to follow steps. This orzo and chicken salad bowl is so good, it’s a summer staple in my house
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain when done.
- Add the Chicken and Veggies: Combine the chicken, arugula, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, basil and oregano with the orzo.
- Make the Dressing and Toss: Mix the red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss with the pasta salad and top with cheese.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Lemon Orzo Salad
It’s best to make this salad fresh, so I like to prepare ingredients ahead of time so that they’re all ready to go.
- Cook Orzo in Advance: Cook the rice to al dente and store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Cook the Chicken: Make sure the juicy chicken is cooked, chopped and ready to go so that all you have to do it toss it in the summer salad. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prepare Dressing Early: Mix and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Chop Vegetables Ahead: Keep them in airtight containers for quick assembly.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad
There are a couple different ways you could make this classic recipe.
- Grilled Chicken: Adds a smoky flavor; grill and slice before adding to the salad.
- Baked Chicken: Season and bake chicken breasts, then dice for the salad.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Lemon Chicken Salad
- Storing: Keep in the fridge in an airtight container. Salad will keep in the fridge for a few days.
- Reheating: Best enjoyed cold; if desired, you can serve warm. Gently warm in the microwave.
- Using Leftovers: Serve over a bed of greens or stuff into a pita for a quick sandwich.
Common Questions About This Greek Chicken Salad Recipe
Yes. Orzo provides the best texture for this salad, but you can also use small pasta for this salad. Try penne or fusilli.
Sure. If you don’t have the time or dressing ingredients, feel free to use your favorite store bought vinaigrette or dressing.
Expert Tips for Making This Comfort Food Recipe
- Cool Orzo Properly: Rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust the dressing to ensure the right balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Flavor: Switch up the flavor by adding different ingredients such as dill, smoked paprika, or bright lemon zest.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs and high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Try a splash of tangy lemon juice to enhance flavors and freshness.
- Serve this Recipe With: Serve chicken pasta salad with orzo pasta alongside BBQ Ribs on Gas Grill, Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers or Roasted Pineapple.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Chicken Orzo Pasta Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups Orzo, uncooked
- 3 cups Grilled chicken breast, chopped and cooked
- 1 ½ cups Arugula
- 1 cup Grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Red bell pepper, chopped
- ¼ cup Red onion, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 ½ ounces Goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.
- Combine pasta, chicken and the next six ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well
- Combine vinegar, oil, salt and black pepper in a small bowl, and combine with a whisk. Drizzle mixture over pasta.
- Toss well to coat. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve warm or cold.
Christina’s Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds flavor.
- Prepare Dressing First: Allows flavors to meld while assembling other ingredients.
- Chill Before Serving: Enhances flavors and makes the salad more refreshing.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.