Merken Mediterranean flavors meet meal prep convenience with these Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars. Featuring layers of tender orzo, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and briny olives, this dish is a vibrant and healthy solution for busy days and grab-and-go lunches.
Merken The clever layering technique ensures that your pasta and proteins stay separate from the dressing until you are ready to eat. This keeps the textures distinct and the flavors bright, making every bite as fresh as the moment you prepared it.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (180 g) dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup (120 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (100 g) cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup (60 g) red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup (50 g) red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 3/4 cup (100 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely.
- Step 2
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 3
- Prepare four large (16 oz/480 ml) mason jars or similar containers.
- Step 4
- Layer the ingredients in the following order: first, divide the dressing evenly between jars; then add red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber; next, layer the cherry tomatoes; add the cooked orzo pasta; top with chicken, olives, feta cheese, and finish with fresh parsley.
- Step 5
- Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Step 6
- When ready to serve, shake the jar to distribute the dressing or pour contents into a bowl and toss to combine.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, make sure the orzo is completely cooled before layering to prevent steaming the vegetables. If you want to boost the flavor profile, try marinating the chicken in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano before cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting orzo with whole-wheat pasta or quinoa for extra fiber. For those following a dairy-free diet, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative to keep the briny Mediterranean profile.
Serviervorschläge
These jars are designed as a standalone meal, but they are also delicious when served with warm pita bread or a side of hummus. When eating at home, pouring the contents into a large bowl makes it even easier to toss and enjoy the seasoned dressing.
Merken With just 35 minutes of preparation, you can have a week's worth of nutritious and refreshing lunches ready to go. These Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat.
