Greek Pasta Chicken Salad Jars (Printable version)

Vibrant Mediterranean layered salad with orzo, chicken, crisp vegetables, olives, and feta—ideal for meal prep.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Prepare four 16-ounce mason jars or similar containers with tight-fitting lids.
04 - Layer ingredients in each jar in the following order: divide dressing evenly among jars, add red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber, layer cherry tomatoes, distribute orzo pasta, top with chicken, add olives, crumbled feta cheese, and finish with fresh parsley.
05 - Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
06 - When ready to serve, shake the jar vigorously to distribute dressing or pour contents into a bowl and toss to combine thoroughly.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The layers stay perfectly crisp for days, no soggy lettuce in sight
  • Everything marries together in the jar, so flavors actually improve overnight
  • Youll feel ridiculously organized grabbing lunch from the fridge like you have your life together
02 -
  • The layering order matters, dressing always goes first to keep delicate ingredients from getting soggy
  • Let the jars sit upright in the fridge, never on their sides or the dressing will seep where it should not
  • Wait to shake until right before serving, otherwise the pasta absorbs too much dressing overnight
03 -
  • Marinate your chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano before cooking for extra depth
  • Dry your vegetables thoroughly before layering to prevent the dressing from becoming diluted
  • Use wide-mouth mason jars for easier serving and cleaning
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