Description
Spinach Orzo Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese is a fresh and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired salad combining tender grilled chicken, fluffy orzo pasta, baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy lemon dressing. This nutritious dish is perfect as a main course salad that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 cup orzo
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to coat well.
- Cook Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts over medium heat or cook in a pan for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Orzo: Prepare the orzo according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the salad and toss again gently to incorporate.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes for a chilled salad before serving.
Notes
- Add avocado or chickpeas for extra nutrition and texture.
- Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Use leftover grilled chicken to speed up preparation time.
- If preparing several hours ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
