Orzo and Shrimp Salad Recipe

Bright, zesty, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, this Orzo and Shrimp Salad Recipe is the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing. Tender orzo pasta mingles with juicy sautéed shrimp, crisp cucumbers, tangy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic red onion, all tossed in a vibrant lemon-garlic dressing. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a fragrant herbaceous touch, while optional crumbled feta cheese adds creamy, salty richness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this salad is an ideal choice for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a make-ahead meal for busy days. Whether served chilled or fresh, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that embodies the best of simple, wholesome cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Orzo pasta
• 1 pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup Lemon juice
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup Cucumber (diced)
• 0.25 cup Red onion (finely diced)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese (crumbled, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Add the cooked shrimp.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine thoroughly.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Step 7

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1451.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2430.0

Total Fat 92.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 992.7mg	0%
Sodium 4590.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 257.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.7g	0%
Total Sugars 21.4g
Protein 168.0g	0%

Vitamin D 811.1IU	0%
Calcium 924.6mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 2192.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 26.5%

Carbs: 40.6%