Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives
Updated on June 9, 2024 by Rodney • This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. • 1 Comment • Jump to Recipe
This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives recipe is one I have been making for years. Flavorful thanks to the Olives & Feta Cheese
This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad recipe is one that my wife and I have been making for many years. Unfortunately I don’t make it often enough as every time I do I tell myself I need to make it more often!
If you are not familiar with Orzo, it’s basically pasta shaped like large grains of rice. Many often confuse Orzo with Rice. Orzo is pasta, not a grain like Rice.
A key ingredient in this dish is the Greek Olives, more commonly known as Kalamata Olives. These Greek olives are only grown in Greece near the town of Kalamata (hence their name) so they can be a little pricey.
Since these olives have a rather unique flavor profile, finding a substitute can next to impossible.
Probably the closest would be French Black Olives or Gaeta Olives but if you can’t find those either you can use regular California Black Olives but the dish will not be as good Kalamata Olives.
Kalamata Olives are high in sodium, healthy fats and contain a natural antioxidant. They are also particularly high in iron and vitamin A.
Enough talk about Greek Kalamata Olives. If you want to know more about them than what I’ve already shared, check this page out.
The combination of flavors in this orzo salad is absolutely delicious. Between the Kalamata Olives, the Feta Cheese and the Lemon flavors, you will think you are dining in a fine Greek restaurant!
Greek food lovers should check out my Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce, my Greek Chicken and Pita Casserole and my Awesome Baklava. They are the real deal!
How to Handle Raw Chicken
- Leave the chicken in the fridge until ready to use.
- Be careful of dripping juices. Clean up immediately.
- Do not wash raw chicken (prevents cross-contamination).
- Wash all utensils and cutting boards.
- Wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Chicken Breasts, Orzo, Greek Kalamata Olives, Green Onions, Roma Tomato, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Lemon Pepper Salt and Feta Cheese.
How to Make Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives
- In a large pot, bring approximately 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add orzo and boil for 9 to 10 minutes (do not overcook).
- Meanwhile, drizzle a skillet with olive oil and cook chicken seasoned with lemon pepper salt.
- When the orzo is cooked, drain water and pour pasta into a large serving bowl. Mix in cooked chicken. Drizzle 1 to 2 Tbsp of lemon juice and mix well.
- Add olives, onions and tomatoes and toss well. Top with feta cheese before serving.
Printable Recipe Card
Greek Chicken Orzo Salad
Equipment
- Bowl for Serving
Ingredients
- 3 Chicken Breasts, Cooked & Diced
- 2 Cups Orzo, Uncooked
- ½ Cup Greek Kalamata Olives , Chopped
- ½ Cup Green Onions, Chopped
- 1 Large Roma Tomato, Diced
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Feta Cheese, Crumbled
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring approximately 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add orzo and boil for 9 to 10 minutes (do not overcook).
- Meanwhile, drizzle a skillet with olive oil and cook chicken seasoned with lemon pepper salt.
- When orzo is cooked, drain water and pour pasta into large serving bowl. Mix in cooked chicken. Drizzle 1 to 2 Tbsp of lemon juice and mix well.
- Add olives, onions and tomatoes and toss well. Top with feta cheese before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
This Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives is the best I have ever tasted. My family and I love Kalamata olives so this salad was a no brainer. Very tasty.