Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the orzo with gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta shape. Rice, quinoa, or buckwheat would also work beautifully as alternatives while keeping all the wonderful flavors intact.

How can I prep this salad for lunches throughout the week?

For meal prep, cook all the components and store them separately: orzo with some dressing, grilled chicken, cooked bacon, and cut vegetables. Each morning, combine a portion with fresh lettuce and avocado. This approach keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy lettuce or brown avocado.

Can I skip the cheese to make this dairy-free?

Yes! The salad is still incredibly flavorful without the cheese. For a similar creamy element, consider adding extra avocado or even some soaked and pureed cashews to the dressing for richness.

What's the best way to grill the chicken if I don't have an outdoor grill?

A cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully for indoor grilling. Alternatively, you can use a regular skillet - just cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. You'll miss the grill marks but still get delicious flavor, especially with that marinade!

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad with Honey Mustard Bacon Dressing Recipe

Name: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad with Honey Mustard Bacon Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons grainy dijon mustard; juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup mixed herbs, chopped (rosemary, oregano, basil); 1 small shallot, grated; 2 cloves garlic, grated; kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; 3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders; 1 bell pepper, quartered; 1 pound dry orzo pasta; 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional); 2 cups shredded red leaf lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 1 avocado, sliced

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad is a vibrant explosion of textures and flavors that comes together in just 40 minutes. The tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and al dente orzo get tossed in a tangy-sweet honey mustard bacon dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a refreshing weeknight dinner that won’t keep you slaving over a hot stove for hours!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tangy lemon, savory bacon, creamy avocado, and herby dressing creates a symphony of tastes in every bite.
Versatile: Enjoy it warm as a satisfying dinner or cold as a refreshing lunch the next day – it’s delicious either way!
Impressive But Simple: Looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but comes together in just 40 minutes with straightforward techniques.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead for lunches throughout the week – the flavors actually get better as they meld together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dressing:

Olive oil: The base of our dressing, providing richness and body.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the tangy elements perfectly.
Grainy dijon mustard: Brings texture and a complex, spicy flavor that makes this dressing special.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness.
White balsamic vinegar: Provides a mild sweetness and tang without overwhelming the other flavors.
Mixed herbs: Fresh rosemary, oregano, and basil add incredible fragrance and flavor – don’t skimp here!
Shallot: Offers a milder, more complex onion flavor that works perfectly in dressings.
Garlic: Provides that essential savory backbone to the dressing.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes let you adjust the flavor to your preference.

For the Salad:

Chicken tenders: Quick-cooking and perfect for soaking up the marinade flavors.
Bell pepper: Adds sweet, smoky notes when grilled and beautiful color.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is perfect for salads, absorbing dressing while maintaining texture.
Cheddar cheese: Adds richness and sharp flavor contrast.
Blue cheese: Optional but adds wonderful tangy depth if you’re a fan.
Red leaf lettuce: Provides freshness and a gentle crunch.
Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness and bright color.
Bacon: Contributes irresistible smoky, salty crunch.
Avocado: Brings creamy richness and healthy fats to round out the salad.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist. For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu.

Seasonal Adaptations

In fall, add roasted sweet potatoes and swap cherry tomatoes for dried cranberries. For winter, try roasted butternut squash and add some toasted walnuts.

Grain Alternatives

Swap orzo for farro, quinoa, or pearl couscous if you want to experiment with different textures and nutritional profiles.

Cheese Options

Not a blue cheese fan? Try feta, goat cheese, or even small mozzarella pearls instead.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Combine olive oil, honey, grainy dijon, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, chopped herbs, grated shallot, grated garlic, and seasonings in a glass jar. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 2: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with about a third of your freshly made dressing. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb those wonderful flavors. Meanwhile, heat your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until you see nice grill marks and it’s cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Grill the bell pepper quarters alongside the chicken until they’re slightly charred, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain well but don’t rinse – we want that starchy exterior to help the dressing cling to the pasta.

Step 4: Combine Hot Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, combine the hot orzo with the cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), and another third of the dressing. The heat from the pasta will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy texture throughout the salad.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the grilled chicken (sliced if desired), grilled peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and crumbled bacon to the orzo mixture. Toss everything gently to combine, being careful not to mash the tomatoes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top your beautiful creation with sliced avocado, a fresh crack of black pepper, and a little salt. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top or serve it on the side. Enjoy immediately while warm, or refrigerate and serve cold later.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dressing Magic: Make the dressing a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop fully – you’ll thank me later!
Pasta Pointers: Cook the orzo just until al dente – it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing.
Cheese Strategy: Adding cheese to hot orzo creates a slightly creamy coating that’s absolutely divine.
Bacon Brilliance: Cook the bacon until extra crispy for the best texture contrast in the finished salad.
Avocado Timing: Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning, or if meal prepping, toss with a bit of extra lemon juice.

How to Serve

Main Dish

Serve this hearty salad as a complete meal in itself with a slice of crusty bread on the side. It’s substantial enough to satisfy hungry appetites!

Side Dish

For a more elaborate spread, serve smaller portions alongside grilled fish or a simple roasted chicken.

Entertaining

This salad is perfect for buffet-style gatherings since it can be served at room temperature. Double the recipe for larger crowds and present it on a large platter with the avocado fanned decoratively on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Making Ahead

Prepare all components up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the dressing, cooked components, and fresh ingredients separate. Combine everything except the avocado and lettuce up to 4 hours before serving. Add the lettuce and avocado just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, though the lettuce may wilt slightly.

Reheating

This salad is delicious cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently reheat the orzo and chicken portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then add the fresh components.

Note: If you’re planning to have leftovers, consider keeping some of the lettuce, avocado, and dressing separate to add fresh when serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the orzo with gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta shape. Rice, quinoa, or buckwheat would also work beautifully as alternatives while keeping all the wonderful flavors intact.
How can I prep this salad for lunches throughout the week?

For meal prep, cook all the components and store them separately: orzo with some dressing, grilled chicken, cooked bacon, and cut vegetables. Each morning, combine a portion with fresh lettuce and avocado. This approach keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy lettuce or brown avocado.
Can I skip the cheese to make this dairy-free?

Yes! The salad is still incredibly flavorful without the cheese. For a similar creamy element, consider adding extra avocado or even some soaked and pureed cashews to the dressing for richness.
What’s the best way to grill the chicken if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

A cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully for indoor grilling. Alternatively, you can use a regular skillet – just cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. You’ll miss the grill marks but still get delicious flavor, especially with that marinade!

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad with Honey Mustard Bacon Dressing truly represents the best of easy yet impressive cooking. It’s the perfect balance of fresh and indulgent, with layers of texture and flavor that make each bite interesting. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering or a satisfying meal to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give it a try – I guarantee it will become a regular in your cooking rotation!