Shrimp Orzo Salad
Shrimp orzo salad is loaded with shrimp and topped with a lemony dressing. This garden fresh Mediterranean shrimp salad is filled to the brim with veggies making this a healthy option for a light lunch but filling enough to serve as a main dish.
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients
For Shrimp
- 1½ lb. large shrimp peeled and deveined, tail ON
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Salad
- 8 oz. orzo
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced
- ¾ cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives halved
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- Lemon wedges to garnish
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with olive oil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a grill pan, add the shrimp and cook the shrimp for 4-5 minutes until it turns pink and oblique. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, prepare the dressing, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Add the cooked orzo and about 3 tablespoons of prepared dressing and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Top them with bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, dill, and cooked shrimp. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and mix.
- Garnish the salad with lemon wedges and serve immediately.
Notes
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before continuing with the recipe.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before adding the seasoning.
- Preheat the grill pan before cooking the shrimp.
- Shrimp will be pink and translucent and curl slightly when they are done.
- Rinse the cooked orzo under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down before adding it to the salad.
- Love cheese? Sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese before serving.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes for more flavor.
- Use fresh herbs. They add so color and flavor to this recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 1060mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1584IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg