Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo Salad

Ingredients: serves 4

Chicken:

• ~1.5 lbs chicken breast tenders (about 8 pieces)

• ¼ cup tzatziki sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, oregano

• Spray oil

Salad:

• ½ cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups spinach, finely chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

• ¼ red onion, finely chopped

• ½ English cucumber, finely chopped

• ¼ cup reduced-fat feta cheese

Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon dried dill

• Optional: sprinkle of sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Side:

• 2 Afia frozen falafel

• Tzatziki sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Orzo:

   • Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and place in refrigerator to allow it to cool.

2. Marinate and Cook the Chicken:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with tzatziki, minced garlic, and season generously. Mix well.

   • Spray the air fryer with oil and cook chicken at 350°F for 6–8 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2–4 minutes at 375°F, or until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and cooled orzo. Toss to mix.

4. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small container, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, dill, and optional sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

   • Plate 1 cup of the salad with chicken tenders. Drizzle with dressing.

   • Serve with falafel (cook according to package instructions) and a scoop of tzatziki for dipping.

   • Enjoy!