Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

Thank you for being here! 💛 If you’re craving something that screams summer freshness and gourmet simplicity, you’re in for a real treat. Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is bursting with sweet, tangy, savory magic—and it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or backyard gathering. 🍓🔥

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Overview of Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

This recipe combines juicy grilled chicken brushed with a sweet and sticky strawberry balsamic glaze and a refreshing orzo salad tossed with creamy ricotta salata, cherry tomatoes, lemon, and basil. 🍋✨

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

• Perfect balance of sweet and savory
• Ideal for grilling season 🏖️
• Light, fresh, and satisfying
• Comes together in just 35 minutes
• Can be served warm or cold!

What It Tastes Like:

The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, bringing a tangy-sweet complexity from the strawberries and balsamic vinegar. Paired with the orzo salad’s bright, lemony freshness and the creamy saltiness of ricotta salata, every bite is a flavor explosion!

Health Benefits:

• High protein, low fat from lean grilled chicken
• Antioxidants from strawberries and tomatoes
• Healthy fats from olive oil
• Refreshing and hydrating basil and lemon

Ingredients List 🛒

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Orzo Salad:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup ricotta salata, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need 🧂🔪

• Grill or grill pan
• Saucepan
• Medium pot (for orzo)
• Large mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Basting brush

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions 🔄

• No ricotta salata? Swap with feta or shaved parmesan.
• No orzo? Try couscous, farro, or quinoa.
• No fresh basil? Use fresh mint or arugula for a peppery twist.
• Want more veggies? Toss in cucumber slices, spinach, or grilled zucchini.

Step-by-Step Instructions 📝

1. Make the Glaze
   In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until reduced and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prep the Chicken
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Grill the Chicken
   Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. During the last few minutes, brush generously with the strawberry balsamic glaze.
4. Make the Orzo Salad
   Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly. In a large bowl, toss with cherry tomatoes, ricotta salata, fresh basil, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble & Serve
   Plate each grilled chicken breast over a bed of the orzo salad. Drizzle extra glaze on top for that wow factor!

What to Serve With It 🍽️

• Grilled corn on the cob 🌽
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• A glass of iced herbal tea or lemonade 🍹
• Crusty artisan bread to soak up the glaze

Tips for Success 🌟

• Don’t skip the glaze! It takes just minutes and transforms the dish.
• Brush glaze on during last minutes of grilling to avoid burning from the sugars.
• Let the orzo cool a bit before mixing to avoid melting the cheese.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

Storage Tips 🧊

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Keep chicken and orzo separate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat chicken gently and enjoy orzo salad cold or room temperature.

Recipe Facts 🍴

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~430 kcal

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 35g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

Now fire up that grill and enjoy the delicious simplicity! 🔥🍓

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?

Yes, just thaw them and simmer slightly longer to reduce extra moisture.

What’s a good ricotta salata substitute?

Feta or aged goat cheese work wonderfully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Make both components a day ahead and store separately. Add glaze just before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa instead.

Conclusion 💫

This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is vibrant, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy weeknight, but stunning enough for weekend guests. It’s summer on a plate—and I know you’ll fall in love with the sweet-savory combo. 🍓💖

Craving more refreshing summer recipes? Try these next:

• Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
• Grilled Chicken with Cranberry Balsamic Glaze
• Grilled Peach Burrata Couscous Salad

Share Your Creation! 📸

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag your photos on Pinterest so others can see your beautiful creations.

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