lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, fresh meal that bursts with flavor and colors, this lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is everything you need. Combining tender grilled chicken with a luscious strawberry balsamic glaze and a refreshing orzo salad sprinkled with tangy ricotta salata, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and zesty. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both elegant and effortlessly homey — ideal for a family dinner or impressing guests without stress.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from the juicy grilled chicken to the bright and creamy orzo salad. These simple staples come together to create a dish that’s rich in texture, flavor, and freshness.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfectly tender when grilled.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the chicken grill beautifully.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory depth to the chicken.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal earthiness for balance.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: Freshness and natural sweetness for the balsamic glaze.
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar: The tangy backbone of the glaze that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly.
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Gives a subtle kick to the glaze.
• 1 cup orzo pasta: The tender, bite-sized pasta that soaks up all the lovely flavors.
• ½ cup ricotta salata, crumbled: Salty, crumbly cheese that adds a creamy contrast to the salad.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juicy color and tang.
• 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach: Peppery greens that keep the salad light and fresh.
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped: Bright herbaceous notes to lift the flavors.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Brings everything together with a luscious, silky finish.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that wakes up the salad.

How to Make lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

Start by combining fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium heat, allowing the mixture to thicken and intensify for about 8 to 10 minutes. Mash slightly with a fork if you like a chunkier texture or blend it smooth for a glossy glaze that will beautifully coat the grilled chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

While the glaze works its magic, cook your orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once drained, let it cool just enough, so it’s warm but not hot — perfect for tossing with the fresh salad ingredients without wilting the greens.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, crumbled ricotta salata, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula, and chopped basil. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to marry the flavors while keeping the delicate textures intact.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until cooked through, beautifully charred, and juicy.

Step 5: Serve with the Glaze

Slice the grilled chicken breasts and drizzle generously with the strawberry balsamic glaze. Serve alongside the vibrant and creamy lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad for a harmonious plate that combines bright, fresh, and savory notes in every bite.

How to Serve lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crumbled ricotta salata on top adds a contrasting salty touch, while a few fresh basil leaves lift the aroma. For a finishing flourish, consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a twist of lemon zest for an added pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simple grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to echo the grilled theme, or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for an all-around fresh and summery meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the orzo salad in individual glass jars for a charming picnic idea or layering with sliced chicken on top for an elegant buffet presentation. You can also transform this salad into a hearty wrap, stuffing it into a soft pita or flatbread for on-the-go enjoyment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the chicken and salad separately and drizzle with glaze just before serving.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken freezes well, the orzo salad is best enjoyed fresh because the greens and ricotta salata can lose their texture when frozen. Freeze leftover chicken separately if desired, then thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the grilled chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, then slice and serve over the chilled orzo salad. The contrast of warm chicken and cool salad is delightful and keeps the textures pleasing.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta salata?

Absolutely! Feta or parmesan can be used as alternatives, but ricotta salata offers a unique salty and mild crumbly texture that complements the salad perfectly.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the grilled chicken and add some grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. The salad itself is vibrant and satisfying on its own, too.

How long does the strawberry balsamic glaze last?

The glaze keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, stored in a sealed container. Warm slightly before using if it thickens too much.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely. The glaze and orzo can be made a day ahead, and the chicken can be grilled just before serving to keep it juicy and fresh.

What type of orzo is best for this salad?

Traditional wheat orzo is perfect, but for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with quinoa or a gluten-free pasta shaped similarly.

Final Thoughts

This lsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is truly one of those special dishes that feels like a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try — the delightful combination of flavors and textures will win you over from the very first bite!