Our lemon-dill orzo chicken pasta salad has something for everyone - a flavorful blend of tender chicken, hearty orzo pasta, and fresh veggies, all tied together with a tangy lemon and dill dressing. This is the perfect companion for your summer picnics or family gatherings.
Preheat a heavy skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat.
Trim any excess fat from the chicken tenders. Season both sides using lemon pepper and salt. Add olive oil to the pan, ensure it coats the entire surface, then cook the chicken tenders. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side until done. Note that cooking time may vary depending on chicken thickness.
As the chicken cooks, prepare the orzo pasta as per the instructions on the package. After draining, rinse it under cold water to cool.
Transfer the cooled orzo to a large bowl. Mix in peas, diced red bell pepper, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt as per your preference.
Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, then add it to the pasta mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.