Go Back

Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

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.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baslamic gaze ricotta salata orzo salad
Yield: 3

Materials

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.