Grilled Shrimp And Orzo Salad

Grilled Shrimp and Orzo Salad

Table of Contents

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is a perfect blend of fresh flavors and textures Juicy grilled shrimp pair beautifully with tender orzo pasta roasted cherry tomatoes briny olives and creamy feta cheese Tossed in a light olive oil and balsamic dressing this salad is both refreshing and satisfying Whether served warm or chilled it makes a delicious meal for lunch dinner or a special gathering

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

1 lb (450g) shrimp peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the orzo salad:

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes halved

1/2 cup mixed olives (Kalamata and green)

1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled

2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

2 tbsp fresh basil chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate the shrimp In a bowl mix the shrimp with olive oil garlic powder paprika oregano salt pepper and lemon juice Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes

Cook the orzo Bring a pot of salted water to a boil Cook orzo according to package instructions then drain and set aside

Grill the shrimp Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred

Roast the tomatoes (optional) If you want a roasted flavor toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil salt and pepper then roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes

Prepare the salad In a large bowl combine the cooked orzo cherry tomatoes olives feta cheese parsley and basil

Make the dressing In a small bowl whisk together olive oil balsamic vinegar garlic salt and pepper Pour over the salad and toss to combine

Assemble and serve Top the orzo salad with the grilled shrimp Garnish with extra feta and herbs if desired

Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp and Orzo Salad

Use fresh ingredients Fresh shrimp herbs and vegetables will enhance the flavors and make the dish more vibrant

Marinate the shrimp Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes to absorb maximum flavor

Do not overcook the shrimp Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the grill too long Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred

Rinse orzo after cooking This prevents it from sticking together and keeps the salad light and fluffy

Customize to your taste Add cucumbers red onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness

Use high-quality olive oil A good extra virgin olive oil will elevate the dressing and overall taste of the salad

Make it ahead This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together making it great for meal prep

Serve warm or chilled Enjoy it right after preparing or refrigerate it for a refreshing cold salad

Time

Prep time 15 minutes

Cook time 15 minutes

Total time 30 minutes

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories ~350

Conclusion

Grilled Shrimp and Orzo Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings together fresh Mediterranean flavors in a light and satisfying meal Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner a summer gathering or meal prep this dish is both easy to make and full of bold flavors Enjoy it warm or chilled for a refreshing and nutritious meal