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Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Chicken

ByCarly

This Greek orzo pasta salad with air fryer Greek yogurt chicken is fresh, filling and perfect for meal prep. Tender orzo gets tossed with juicy tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, feta, parsley and dill in a bright lemon honey vinaigrette, then topped with tender Greek yogurt marinated chicken straight from the air fryer. This Greek orzo salad makes 6 servings.

Love Greek flavors? Try my Greek Bowl with Air-Fried Greek Yogurt Chicken too.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Greek Orzo Salad

  • High protein with juicy yogurt-marinated chicken.
  • Fresh veggies and herbs in every bite.
  • Bright lemon honey vinaigrette.
  • Perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients for Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

The Orzo Salad

Orzo, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, red and green bell pepper, feta, fresh parsley and dill.

The Vinaigrette

Olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt and pepper.

The Greek Yogurt Chicken

Chicken breasts marinated in plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, dried oregano, salt and pepper.

Swap note: Use a gluten-free small pasta or quinoa for gluten free. Skip the feta for dairy free and use a dairy-free yogurt.

How to Make Greek Orzo Salad

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

Whisk the marinade, add bite-size chicken pieces and marinate at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Air fry the chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Let the excess marinade drip off and air fry in a single layer 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until 165°F. Rest 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the orzo

Cook the orzo in salted water until al dente, drain and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Combine

Toss the orzo with the parsley and dill, then add the chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers and feta.

Step 5: Dress and serve

Whisk the vinaigrette, pour it over the salad and toss. Finish with extra herbs, feta and a squeeze of lemon.

Carly’s Expert Tips

  • Don’t overcook the orzo so it stays tender, not mushy.
  • Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor.
  • Rest the chicken so it stays juicy.
  • Dress while slightly warm so the orzo soaks up flavor.

Make It Your Own

  • Shrimp: Swap in air fryer shrimp.
  • Olives: Add kalamata olives.
  • Chickpeas: Add chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
  • Quinoa: Use quinoa instead of orzo.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Make the salad and chicken up to 3 days ahead. Store separately and toss together before serving.

What to Serve With Greek Orzo Salad

Serve with warm pita, hummus or Lemon Feta Dill Bread Dipping Oil.

Storing and Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Refresh with a squeeze of lemon and drizzle of olive oil.

What People Ask About Greek Orzo Salad

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes. Any small pasta like ditalini works.

Can I make Greek orzo salad ahead?

Yes. It keeps up to 4 days in the fridge.

Is Greek orzo salad served cold?

Yes, chilled or at room temperature.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Chicken

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Chicken

This recipe combines a refreshing Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with juicy, crispy Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Chicken.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 515
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 1 lb cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Fresh dill chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt + pepper
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon juice
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt + black pepper

Method
 

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
  1. Cook orzo in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, parsley, and dill.
  3. Add chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and feta.
  4. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Finish with extra herbs, feta, and a squeeze of lemon.
Air Fryer Greek Yogurt Chicken
  1. Whisk all marinade ingredients until smooth.
  2. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken to marinade and coat evenly. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Place chicken in a single layer in the basket.
  5. Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice or chop and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 44gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 315mgPotassium: 723mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 599IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 136mgIron: 2mg

Notes

  • You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best taste in both the salad and chicken marinade.
  • Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking in the air fryer.
  • You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous or quinoa.
  • Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.

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