Print

Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad

fresh grilled lemon herb chicken avocado orzo salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A bright, zesty grilled chicken salad with creamy avocado and tender orzo pasta, perfect for light and satisfying summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds / 680 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (about 270 g)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  2. Cook the Orzo: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender but still firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly. Drain well.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly. Grill chicken breasts 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, parsley, and basil. Toss gently to mix without mashing the avocado.
  5. Make the Dressing & Toss: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Assemble & Serve: Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top of the orzo salad or toss it in if you prefer. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Rinse orzo under cold water after cooking to prevent clumping. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning or toss with lemon juice if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, lemon herb chicken, avocado salad, orzo salad, summer salad, easy dinner, healthy meal

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/fresh-grilled-lemon-herb-chicken-avocado-orzo-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/