A Sweet, Savory, and Fresh Twist on Summer Grilling!
When it comes to summertime meals, nothing hits the spot quite like grilled chicken paired with a bright, flavorful salad. But this isn’t your ordinary grilled chicken dinner—this is a restaurant-worthy meal at home! With a juicy chicken breast glazed in a strawberry balsamic reduction and served alongside a vibrant Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, creamy and tangy, hearty and refreshing.
If you’re looking for something elegant, light, and full of flavor, this recipe will steal the spotlight at any picnic, cookout, or casual weeknight dinner.
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
This dish combines the classic appeal of grilled chicken with a gourmet twist: a sticky, slightly sweet strawberry balsamic glaze that adds fruit-forward acidity and depth. The orzo salad—with crumbly Ricotta Salata, fresh herbs, and juicy cherry tomatoes—acts as the perfect counterpart, cutting through the glaze with salty, creamy brightness.
What makes this recipe especially attractive is its versatility. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a busy weeknight. You can also make parts of it ahead of time for easy entertaining!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Glaze:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
For the Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad:
1 cup orzo pasta
½ cup Ricotta Salata, crumbled or finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
🔥 How To Make Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
Step 1: Prep and Grill the Chicken
Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Preheat a grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Grill chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temp of 165°F).
Once grilled, remove from heat and let rest while you prepare the glaze.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, and garlic.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the strawberries break down and the glaze thickens.
Use a spoon or immersion blender to puree the glaze until smooth (optional for texture).
Drizzle the glaze over the grilled chicken or brush it on before serving.
🥗 How To Make Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
In a large bowl, toss the orzo with olive oil, lemon juice, red onion, cherry tomatoes, basil, and parsley.
Fold in the crumbled Ricotta Salata.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
🧀 What is Ricotta Salata?
Ricotta Salata is a firm, salted, aged version of ricotta cheese. It’s crumbly like feta but milder and creamier in flavor. It adds a beautiful salty contrast to the sweet glaze and balances the orzo salad perfectly.
Substitutions:
If you can’t find Ricotta Salata, you can substitute with feta, queso fresco, or even shaved Parmesan.
🧠 Tips + Tricks For Recipe Success
Use fresh strawberries for the most vibrant glaze flavor. Frozen will work in a pinch—just simmer a few minutes longer.
Butterfly the chicken breasts if they’re thick. This ensures even cooking and faster grill time.
Glaze timing: You can glaze the chicken in the last few minutes of grilling or drizzle after plating. For extra flavor, do both!
Meal prep friendly: The orzo salad can be made up to a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge.
🌿 Optional Additions & Variations
Add greens: Serve the chicken over arugula or baby spinach for a light salad-style meal.
Add nuts: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts add crunch to the orzo salad.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little heat.
Try goat cheese: For a creamy tangy twist, substitute Ricotta Salata with crumbled goat cheese.
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2–3 people (can double for larger meals)
🍷 What to Serve with This Dish
This grilled chicken entrée is versatile and light, making it perfect for pairing. Consider serving it with:
Crispy roasted asparagus or green beans
Garlic bread or grilled ciabatta
A glass of rosé, Pinot Noir, or citrusy iced tea
Fresh fruit salad or lemon sorbet for dessert
🌞 Perfect For…
Backyard summer dinners
Romantic date nights
Brunch or lunch gatherings
Light but satisfying meal prep
Impressing guests with minimal effort
💬 Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh, bold flavors that sing summer. From the smoky char of the chicken to the sweet-tangy glaze and refreshing orzo salad, every bite brings something exciting to the plate.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or enjoying a solo dinner al fresco, this dish delivers elegance without complication. It’s colorful, flavorful, and beautifully balanced.
So fire up that grill, grab a handful of strawberries, and let this sweet-savory combo become the highlight of your warm-weather meals. You deserve something this delicious.
Print Recipe From Here ⤵️
Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Glaze:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
For the Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup Ricotta Salata crumbled or finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
How To Make Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
Step 1: Prep and Grill the Chicken
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Grill chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temp of 165°F).
- Once grilled, remove from heat and let rest while you prepare the glaze.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, and garlic.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the strawberries break down and the glaze thickens.
- Use a spoon or immersion blender to puree the glaze until smooth (optional for texture).
- Drizzle the glaze over the grilled chicken or brush it on before serving.
- —
🥗 How To Make Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the orzo with olive oil, lemon juice, red onion, cherry tomatoes, basil, and parsley.
- Fold in the crumbled Ricotta Salata.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
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