This is the pasta salad I make when I'm at a loss for what to make for dinner - especially if I've got a rotisserie chicken, it's a cinch to pull together!

The combination of the crunchy bell peppers, briny olives, fresh herbs, and wholegrain mustard dressing makes this orzo salad absolutely pop. It keeps well in the fridge, so it's perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Orzo chicken pasta salad in a glass bowl with a silver spoon next to a striped napkin.

Emily's Recipe Notes

This salad serves a crowd - it makes around 6 servings, so great for taking to a potluck or BBQ. I like to save leftovers for lunch.

I use the wholegrain mustard dressing on lots of other dishes as well. It's an excellent simple salad dressing or topping for roasted vegetables.

Mediterranean orzo salad ingredients in bowls.

Chicken Orzo Pasta Salad Ingredients

Orzo - (also called risoni) is a small pasta shape that cooks quickly. You can substitute for pearl couscous or ditalini.
Chicken - use either cooked, shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. You can substitute for turkey as well.
Bell Peppers - use a variety of colors of bell pepper for an extra pop of color! I used both yellow and red bell peppers.
Green Onion - adds a wonderful bright punch of allium without being overwhelming. You can substitute for chives.
Olives - use a medley of olives if possible for maximum flavor and color. I used both Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives.
Parsley - fresh parsley adds a fantastic herby flavor and beautiful color to the dish.

Dressing Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - acts as the base of the dressing so use the best quality stuff you have.
Lemon Juice - use freshly squeezed lemon juice, if possible, for the brightest citrus flavor.
Wholegrain Mustard - a fantastic, seedy mushroom that has great flavor. Can be substituted for Dijon if you'd prefer.
Salt & Pepper - seasons the dressing and brings out the best flavor in the other ingredients.

Chicken orzo salad topped with lemon in a glass bowl with a silver spoon next to a striped napkin.

Orzo Chicken Salad

This delicious Mediterranean orzo pasta salad with shredded chicken, bell peppers, olives, and a wholegrain mustard dressing is a great weeknight meal.

4.50 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

Author: Emily Wilson

Ingredients

1 ½ cups uncooked orzo
2 cups cooked chicken shredded or dice
3 bell peppers diced
⅓ cup olives sliced
½ cup chopped green onion
¼ cup chopped parsley
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons wholegrain mustard
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Boil a large pot of water, for the orzo. Salt the water and cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, combine the chicken, bell peppers, olives, green onions, and parsley in a large bowl. Add the cooked orzo and stir it all together.
Whisk the mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl till combined.
Add the dressing to the salad and serve immediately or save in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.