Add a crispy, creamy twist to your Greek-inspired salad with this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad with Crispy Fried Tzatziki Balls! Grilled lemon-herb chicken, fresh orzo pasta, and crunchy, deep-fried tzatziki-coated cheese balls come together in a vibrant dish, all drizzled with a garlic-herb vinaigrette. A perfect balance of flavors and textures for a truly satisfying meal! 🍗🥒🧀✨
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad with Crispy Fried Tzatziki Balls 🥒🔥✨
Ingredients:
• For the Grilled Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Fried Tzatziki Balls:
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta Salad:
• 8 oz orzo pasta
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• For the Garlic-Herb Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate and Grill the Chicken:
• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let them sit for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing it into thin strips.
2. Make the Fried Tzatziki Balls:
• In a bowl, combine tzatziki sauce, mozzarella, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper. Mix until the ingredients form a thick, sticky mixture.
• Form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture.
• Dredge the balls in flour, then dip them in the beaten egg, and coat them in breadcrumbs.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
3. Cook the Pasta:
• Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
4. Make the Garlic-Herb Vinaigrette:
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Salad:
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, grilled chicken strips, sliced olives, diced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
• Drizzle with the garlic-herb vinaigrette and toss to combine.
6. Serve:
• Serve the pasta salad topped with crispy fried tzatziki balls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve immediately for a crunchy, creamy, and satisfying Greek-inspired meal!
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 500-600 per serving (depending on portion sizes and toppings)
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad with Crispy Fried Tzatziki Balls is a flavorful, fun twist on a classic—complete with juicy grilled chicken, fresh pasta, crunchy veggies, and crispy cheese balls that are simply irresistible. A perfect combination of savory, tangy, and creamy in every bite! 🥒🔥🧀✨
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