Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars (Printable)

Layered Mediterranean salad with orzo, chicken, feta, and crisp vegetables. Easy meal prep in mason jars.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Protein

01 - 1 cup dry orzo pasta
02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Add-Ins

08 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
09 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to make it:

01 - Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Set out four 16-ounce mason jars or similar airtight containers with lids.
04 - Divide dressing evenly between jars as the base layer. Add red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber directly over the dressing. Layer cherry tomatoes next, followed by cooled orzo pasta spread evenly. Top with chicken, olives, feta cheese, and finish with fresh parsley.
05 - Seal jars tightly with lids and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
06 - When ready to eat, shake the jar vigorously to distribute dressing throughout or pour contents into a bowl and toss to combine.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The dressing actually marinates the vegetables as they sit, making everything more flavorful by day two
  • You can grab a jar on your way out the door and eat it anywhere, no reheating needed
02 -
  • The layering order matters, dressing goes first and delicate ingredients like cheese and herbs go last
  • Let the pasta cool completely before assembling, otherwise it will make the lettuce wilt
03 -
  • Invest in wide mouth jars, they are much easier to fill and clean
  • Press down gently on each layer to remove air pockets
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