Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a small bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through with dark char marks. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- While chicken rests, chop the cucumber and dice the avocados. Season avocado with a pinch of black pepper. In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo and chopped cucumber. Pour about three-quarters of the vinaigrette over and toss to coat.
- Arrange a bed of arugula in shallow bowls. Top with the orzo-cucumber mixture. Neatly arrange the sliced grilled chicken and diced avocado in distinct sections. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
Don't Overcook the Orzo: Mushy orzo can ruin the texture. Cook it just until al dente.
Rest Your Chicken: Letting the grilled chicken rest before slicing is essential for juicy results.
Add Avocado Last: To keep your avocado vibrant green, dice and add it just before serving.
Season Every Layer: Season the pasta water, chicken, and avocado individually for the best flavor.
Rest Your Chicken: Letting the grilled chicken rest before slicing is essential for juicy results.
Add Avocado Last: To keep your avocado vibrant green, dice and add it just before serving.
Season Every Layer: Season the pasta water, chicken, and avocado individually for the best flavor.
