Shrimp and Orzo Salad

Bright, fresh, and irresistibly delicious, this Shrimp and Orzo Salad is a perfect blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Packed with juicy shrimp, tender orzo pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, baby spinach, salty feta cheese, and briny kalamata olives, this dish is a celebration of textures and tastes. A zesty homemade lemon-dill dressing ties everything together, adding a tangy, herbaceous kick that's light yet flavorful. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, or a nutritious lunch, and it's best enjoyed chilled to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Healthy, colorful, and satisfying, this shrimp and orzo salad is a must-try recipe for any Mediterranean food lover!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.25 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 0.5 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 0.25 cup kalamata olives (sliced)
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

2. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

3. While the orzo cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 4

4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 5

5. To the bowl of cooled orzo, add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, baby spinach, red onion, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Toss gently to combine.

Step 6

6. Add the cooked shrimp to the salad and pour the dressing over the top. Toss well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1460.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2255.1

Total Fat 103.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 992.7mg	0%
Sodium 4020.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 23.1g
Protein 158.2g	0%

Vitamin D 811.1IU	0%
Calcium 984.2mg	0%
Iron 14.7mg	0%
Potassium 2164.0mg	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: 40.0%

Protein: 27.1%

Carbs: 33.0%