Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken Recipe for Sunny Days

Summer calls for light, zesty meals that dance on the palate, and this lemon orzo salad with chicken delivers pure refreshment.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked orzo, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with bright flavors.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of tangy citrus and savory protein.

The orzo provides a silky backdrop for juicy, seasoned chicken that sings with lemony brightness.

Crisp herbs and a light vinaigrette add depth and complexity to this simple yet sophisticated salad.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to for quick, delicious dining.

Dive into this vibrant meal that promises to refresh and satisfy your summer appetite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken: Ingredients You’ll Love

• Orzo: Delicate rice-shaped pasta that creates a light, silky foundation for this vibrant summer salad, choosing whole wheat variety adds extra nutrition.

• Chicken, Parmesan Cheese: Tender protein and salty cheese that elevate the salad's richness, selecting free-range chicken ensures better flavor.
• Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Arugula, Basil: Crisp vegetables and herbs that bring garden-fresh crunch and peppery brightness, opt for locally grown or farmer's market produce for maximum flavor.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus element that adds tangy freshness and complex zestiness, choose ripe, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin.
• Olive Oil, Honey: Smooth binding agent and subtle sweetness that balances the dressing, selecting extra virgin olive oil ensures rich, authentic taste.
• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning trio that deepens overall flavor profile, freshly cracked black pepper provides more robust taste.

Salad Tools for Assembling Lemon Orzo with Chicken

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling orzo pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Crucial for draining and rinsing pasta quickly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine all salad ingredients and toss.
• Cutting Board: Helps chop vegetables and chicken neatly.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurate dressing measurements.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Perfect for mixing and whisking dressing ingredients.
• Whisk or Fork: Helps blend dressing components smoothly.

Steps to Toss Together Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken

Mediterranean Pasta Delight

• Pasta Base

Cook orzo in a generously salted water bath until tender. Drain and cool completely, letting water droplets slide away. Transfer to a spacious mixing vessel.

• Fresh Ingredient Symphony

Chop crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, tender chicken, and fragrant basil. Gently combine these vibrant components with the orzo, creating a colorful landscape of flavors.

• Zesty Dressing Magic

Squeeze sunshine-bright lemon, drizzle golden olive oil, and mince garlic. Whisk together these liquid treasures with a whisper of honey, creating a tangy elixir that will transform the entire dish.

• Final Toss

Pour the liquid sunshine over the pasta mixture. Carefully fold everything together, ensuring each morsel gets kissed by the bright dressing. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing in perfect harmony.

Customizations for Citrus, Cheese, or Crunch

• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a delightful protein twist that suits different dietary preferences.
• Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, or roasted red peppers to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired profile of this vibrant salad.
• Prepare the salad without arugula up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toss in fresh arugula just before serving to maintain crispness.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, dill, or oregano instead of basil to create unique flavor combinations that will surprise your taste buds.
• Batch cook chicken and orzo on Sunday for easy weekday lunches, keeping dressing separate until ready to enjoy for maximum freshness and texture.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken

• Summer Picnic Star: Pack this salad in cute mason jars for a gorgeous portable lunch. Layer ingredients carefully to keep everything fresh and crisp during outdoor adventures.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve the salad alongside warm pita bread, hummus, and olives. Create a stunning spread that transports your guests to a sun-drenched Greek island with vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Turn leftovers into a delightful wrap by spooning the salad into large lettuce leaves or tortillas. Add extra herbs for a zesty kick and instant meal upgrade that feels completely new.
• Elegant Dinner Side: Plate the orzo salad as an elegant accompaniment to grilled fish or roasted chicken. Garnish with extra basil and a lemon wedge for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses dinner guests.

How to Store Lemon Orzo Salad and Keep It Fresh

• Fridge Fresh Storage Strategy: Keep this vibrant salad sealed in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Chicken and crisp veggies maintain their delicious texture when refrigerated properly, ensuring a quick and tasty meal option.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store arugula separately from the main salad to prevent wilting. Place delicate greens in a small sealed container, mixing them just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Prepare chicken and chop vegetables in advance for a 10-minute assembly. This strategy saves time during busy weekdays and helps you enjoy a nutritious lunch or dinner without stress.
• Temperature Control Tip: Always serve the salad chilled for the best flavor experience. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before eating to let ingredients reach a perfect, refreshing temperature that highlights the zesty lemon dressing.

Bright Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon orzo salad with chicken delivers fresh, zesty flavors perfect for summer dining. Mediterranean herbs and grilled chicken create a light, refreshing meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 mini cucumbers (or ½ English cucumber), chopped
• 1 cup little tomatoes (grape/cherry/etc.), cut into quarters
• 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 2 cups (loosely packed) fresh arugula, optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced thin
• 1.5 tbsps (22.5 ml) lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2.5 tbsps (37.5 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Orzo Preparation: Boil salted water and cook orzo until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then spread in a large bowl to cool completely.
2. Ingredient Breakdown: Dice cucumbers into uniform cubes, halve cherry tomatoes, mince red onion, shred chicken, grate parmesan, and tear basil leaves with precision.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a bright, zesty emulsion.
4. Salad Assembly: Gently fold all prepared ingredients into cooled orzo, ensuring even distribution. Drizzle dressing over the mixture, carefully coating each component with the vibrant flavor profile.
5. Final Touches: Allow salad to rest for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Moments before serving, gently fold in arugula leaves. Perform a final taste check, adjusting seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to elevate the overall taste experience.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook orzo exactly to package instructions and rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking, ensuring a tender yet firm texture.
• Ingredient Prep Precision: Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent bite and visual appeal, creating a balanced and professional-looking salad.
• Dressing Magic: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly until fully emulsified, which helps blend flavors and creates a smooth, cohesive coating for the salad.
• Flavor Fusion: Let salad rest briefly at room temperature to allow ingredients to meld together, enhancing overall taste and allowing dressing to absorb into pasta and vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg