Chicken Orzo Salad
On December 09, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This vibrant Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad combines tender pasta, juicy grilled chicken, and zesty flavors for a perfectly easy weeknight meal.
Chicken Orzo Salad
I’m super excited to share this amazing Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad recipe with you. It’s one of those dishes my family and I enjoy all the time on busy weeknights. Loaded with tender orzo pasta, fresh mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes, it all ties together with rich pesto and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can mix in any kind of protein you want or enjoy it as-is. I included some charcoal grilled chicken breasts this time, but the beauty of this dish is its versatility.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or meal prepping for the week ahead, this salad is guaranteed to become a family favorite. If you’re ready, let’s get started.
What is orzo?
If you’re new to orzo, think of it as rice-shaped pasta. This tiny pasta shape might look like rice, but it cooks up into the most delightful, tender little bites that are perfect for salads. It’s incredibly versatile and acts like a flavor sponge, soaking up all the delicious dressing and juices from the other ingredients. Plus, it’s quick-cooking, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Susie’s Orzo Pro Tip
A little goes a long way when it comes to orzo. When I first started using it, I made way too much. The recipe calls for 2 ounces, which may not seem like a lot. Trust me, though, it’s more than enough for a family of 4.
Ingredients for this Recipe
This dish is all about using simple, flavorful ingredients that work together to create something amazing. This orzo salad combines some Mediterranean-inspired ingredients with perfectly grilled chicken for a meal that’s both satisfying and fresh. Here’s what you need to make it:
- 2 ounces dried orzo
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella Balls (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic glaze
I used my signature Chicken Rub for my chicken breasts because I love the flavor it adds. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make some of my Lemon Herb Chicken Seasoning, or use any seasoning you love with chicken.
Toasting Orzo for Salad
Toasting your orzo is a totally optional, but delicious step. Similar to how you cook some boxed rice, toasting orzo in a bit of butter before boiling gives it a nutty flavor and slightly firmer texture. While you can absolutely skip this step and just boil the orzo directly, I really recommend giving the toasting method a try. It adds such a wonderful depth of flavor that makes it stand out.
How to Make Orzo Salad
This recipe combines the best of grilling and fresh ingredients for a salad that’s absolutely packed with flavor. Let me walk you through how to put it all together in just a few easy steps:
- Grill chicken. Nothing beats the flavor of perfectly grilled chicken. We’re going to season it generously with my Chicken Rub, then set your preferred grill for two-zone heat for that perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy exterior (check out my post How to Cook with Two-Zone Grilling if you need a refresher).
- Toast orzo pasta. A quick toast in butter gives the orzo a gorgeous golden color and nutty flavor that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. The aroma alone is mouthwatering.
- Cook orzo pasta. Once toasted, simmer the orzo until it’s perfectly al dente. You want it tender but still with a slight bite. You can make it more or less tender if you like, but this texture contrast makes the salad so satisfying to eat.
- Combine and serve. This is where everything comes together in a beautiful medley of flavors and textures. The warm orzo slightly melts the mozzarella, the cherry tomatoes add bursts of freshness, and that drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together with its sweet-tangy finish. Mix in some charcoal grilled chicken, or any protein you like, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
While I absolutely love this salad with grilled chicken, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to switch up the protein. It’s fantastic with grilled shrimp, salmon, or even canned chicken when you’re short on time. I’ve even made it without any protein at all as a side dish for other grilled meats. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to whatever you’ve got on hand or whatever you and your family are craving.
Even More Salad Recipes
If your family loves this orzo salad as much as mine does, then you’re in for a treat. I’ve got hundreds more BBQ and grilling recipes just waiting for you to try. From refreshing summer salads to hearty grilled main dishes, you’ll find everything you need to feed the people you love in your Recipe Library. And don’t forget, all these recipes are available right at your fingertips in the Hey Grill Hey App as well.
Chicken Orzo Salad Recipe
Follow the recipe card below and you’ll be enjoying this orzo salad in no time. Once you make it, be sure to come back and leave a rating and comment to let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to share your mouthwatering photos on Facebook and Instagram. Tag @heygrillhey so I can see your amazing creations.
Want to level up your grilling game even more? Join The Grill Squad for exclusive recipes, techniques, and tips. And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for step-by-step videos that’ll help you become a true Backyard BBQ Hero.
Chicken Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 Tablespoon Hey Grill Hey Chicken Rub
- 2 ounces dried orzo
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 4 cups salted water
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella balls cut into pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Grill chicken. If you’re using a canned chicken, you can skip to step 2. Set your preferred grill up for two-zone heat with an overall temperature around 350 degrees F. Season chicken with the Chicken Rub, then place on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and grilled 15-17 minutes, flipping once. Move your chicken to the direct heat side of your grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F with a reliable meat thermometer.2 chicken breasts, 1 Tablespoon Hey Grill Hey Chicken Rub
- Toast orzo pasta. Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add the orzo, then cook for 2-4 minutes until it starts to brown. This step is optional, but adds texture and flavor.2 ounces dried orzo, 1 Tablespoon butter
- Cook orzo pasta. Add in 4 cups salted water to the pot, and bring to a boil. Allow the orzo to simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes.4 cups salted water
- Combine and serve. Once the pasta is finished cooking, drain it and add to a large bowl. Next, add in the pesto, mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes. Finally, stir in chicken, then drizzle with balsamic glaze, and serve.½ cup pesto sauce, 1 cup mozzarella balls, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 Tablespoon balsamic glaze
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
