Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines grilled chicken, creamy avocado, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant herbs with a zesty lemon dressing. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Orzo:
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, basil, and chives.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Make the Lemon Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Assemble:
- Add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad mixture.
- Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
7. Serve:
- Serve the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy!
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is bursting with flavor from the grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty lemon dressing. Feel free to customize the ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
