Description
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling water, adding the pasta, and simmering until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo and allow it to cool completely. It’ll be the hearty base of your salad that absorbs the racy flavors of the dressing.
- While the orzo cools, prepare the marinade for the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Place the chicken breasts into a resealable bag or a shallow dish, and cover them with your zesty marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until they’re fully cooked and the juices run clear. After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring you don’t end up with dry chicken.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo pasta, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Toss them gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture will create a vibrant salad packed with flavors and textures.
- In another bowl, mix together the crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is what brings the entire salad together, adding creaminess and an extraordinary flavor punch.
- Drizzle the honey mustard bacon dressing over the orzo salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad!
Notes
This salad can be enjoyed warm or chilled, offering great versatility for your meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g