lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad Recipe
Enjoy a delicious and vibrant meal featuring perfectly grilled chicken breasts paired with a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic glaze. Served alongside a refreshing ricotta salata orzo salad with cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula, and basil, this recipe offers a balanced and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
For the Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup ricotta salata, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and mash slightly with a fork or blend until smooth for a luscious glaze.
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and let it cool slightly to prevent wilting the fresh greens in the salad.
- Prepare the Orzo Salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo with crumbled ricotta salata, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula (or spinach), and chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken and drizzle each portion generously with the strawberry balsamic glaze. Serve alongside the refreshing ricotta salata orzo salad for a well-rounded, colorful plate.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach for arugula if preferred.
- For a smoother glaze texture, use a blender after simmering the strawberry mixture.
- Adjust sweetness in the glaze by using honey or maple syrup based on your taste preference.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (including chicken and salad)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, strawberry balsamic glaze, ricotta salata, orzo salad, healthy dinner, summer recipe, easy grilled chicken