Description
A bright Mediterranean-inspired orzo salad with grilled shrimp, crisp vegetables, feta, olives, fresh herbs, and a lemon olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/3 cup olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat, then bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the orzo according to package directions until tender. Drain, rinse briefly with cool water, and transfer to a large bowl.
- Whisk the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo, then add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently.
- Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
- Add the grilled shrimp to the orzo salad, sprinkle with feta, and toss gently.
- Serve right away or chill briefly before serving with an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp because it can turn rubbery quickly.
- Add feta at the end so it stays creamy and does not break down too much.
- If the salad sits in the fridge, refresh it with a little olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp orzo salad, lemon shrimp salad, grilled shrimp salad, Mediterranean orzo salad, feta orzo salad