Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze & Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Plate That’s as Beautiful as It Is Delicious!

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and embrace light, seasonal flavors—and this Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze paired with a Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad is your ultimate warm-weather dinner. It’s a refreshing twist on grilled chicken that delivers sweet, tangy, savory, and creamy notes in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to a gourmet-style weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Juicy grilled chicken is brushed with a homemade glaze made from fresh strawberries and balsamic vinegar, creating a glossy, sweet-savory finish that’s totally unforgettable. On the side, orzo pasta is tossed with ricotta salata, herbs, and lemon for a cool, tangy, and creamy salad that complements the warm, caramelized chicken perfectly.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

Elevated but easy – A gourmet-quality meal that’s simple enough for a weekday.

Seasonal ingredients – Strawberries and fresh herbs bring bright summer flavors.

Balance of flavors – Sweet glaze + salty cheese + juicy chicken = perfection.

Great for guests – Visually stunning and perfect for serving at gatherings.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Chicken & Strawberry Balsamic Glaze:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a savory kick)

For the Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad:

1 cup orzo pasta

1/2 cup ricotta salata, crumbled or chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or arugula for extra freshness

👨‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine:

1 cup strawberries

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

(Optional) 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until strawberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and blend until smooth (or mash if you like it chunky). Let cool while you prepare the chicken.

Tip: This glaze is incredible drizzled on grilled veggies, salmon, or even crusty bread!

2. Grill the Chicken

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.

Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Grill 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

In the last 2 minutes, brush each side generously with the strawberry balsamic glaze.

The glaze caramelizes slightly on the hot grill, adding deep flavor and a glossy finish.

3. Make the Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad

Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water.

Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley or basil, and crumbled ricotta salata.

Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Optional: Add halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or baby arugula for extra texture.

Ricotta salata is a firm, salty cheese that holds up perfectly in pasta salads. Feta or shaved Parmesan work as substitutes!

🍽️ How to Serve

Plate each grilled chicken breast over a bed of the orzo salad. Drizzle with extra strawberry glaze and garnish with fresh herbs or extra strawberry slices for a restaurant-quality presentation.

This dish pairs beautifully with:

A glass of chilled rosé or pinot grigio

Grilled asparagus or green beans

Crusty garlic bread or focaccia

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Glaze: Can be made 3–5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Chicken: Grill ahead and store in airtight container up to 3 days.

Orzo salad: Can be made a day in advance—just stir in a little olive oil before serving to refresh it.

💡 Tips & Variations

No grill? Sear the chicken in a hot skillet or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Add greens: Serve the orzo over a bed of arugula or baby spinach.

Make it vegetarian: Swap grilled chicken for grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms.

Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

Other cheeses: Goat cheese or feta bring creamy tang if ricotta salata is unavailable.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Meal

This dish isn’t just flavorful—it’s visually stunning, light, and refreshing. It feels indulgent yet nourishing and celebrates the best of what summer has to offer. The strawberry balsamic glaze brings out the natural juiciness of the chicken, while the orzo salad adds just the right creamy, lemony contrast.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a backyard dinner, Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze and Ricotta Salata Orzo Salad delivers a full experience in one gorgeous plate.

🥄 bigzazoo’s Final Bite

This recipe is proof that healthy and delicious don’t have to be boring! Sweet strawberries, savory chicken, and creamy pasta salad create an unforgettable combo that you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to snap a pic before digging in—it’s that pretty!

More Articles You Might Like