Greek-Style Lemony Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad

Introduction

This Greek-Style Lemony Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad quickly became one of my favorite go-to dishes for summer gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. The combination of juicy, tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients—like fresh cucumbers, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs—creates a refreshing, zesty salad that’s both light and satisfying. When I first made it for my family, everyone was immediately hooked, and it’s now a regular feature on our table. The tang of lemon paired with the grilled shrimp and the cool crunch of cucumbers is the perfect balance of flavors. It’s ideal for meal prep, makes a beautiful addition to any picnic spread, and is even hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal. The freshness and simplicity of this dish always make it feel like a special treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Greek-Style Lemony Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad

There are countless reasons why this Greek-Style Lemony Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad should be on your dinner table, but here are the top highlights:

1. Bright and Fresh: The lemony dressing and fresh herbs elevate this salad, giving it a burst of refreshing flavor that’s perfect for warmer months.
2. Quick and Easy: Despite looking like a dish from a Mediterranean bistro, it’s incredibly simple to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes.
3. Versatile: It’s perfect as a main dish, a side, or even a meal prep option. The shrimp can easily be swapped out for chicken or chickpeas for variety.
4. Light Yet Satisfying: The combination of grilled shrimp, orzo, and crunchy vegetables provides the ideal balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it filling without being too heavy.
5. Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or as a light dinner, this salad is sure to impress your guests with its fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Salad:

• 1 cup orzo (or your favorite short pasta)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed (or substitute with goat cheese or bocconcini)

For the Dressing:

• Zest and juice of 2–3 lemons (start with 1 lemon and adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional, but recommended)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the orzo and transfer it to a large bowl. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the shrimp and other ingredients.
2. Dress the Orzo: While the orzo is still warm, add the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl. Toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the orzo cool to room temperature as you prepare the remaining ingredients.
3. Season and Grill the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, oregano, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the grill and set aside.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the diced cucumber, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives (if using), and feta cheese to the bowl with the orzo. Toss gently to combine.
5. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the fresh dill, parsley, and mint over the salad and toss lightly to distribute the herbs. The herbs add a lovely burst of flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
6. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of tzatziki sauce for an added Mediterranean flair.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve this Greek-Style Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad as a light and satisfying main dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, lamb, or other Mediterranean dishes for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
• Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, so you can prepare it ahead of time for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store the shrimp separately from the salad to maintain its freshness.
• With Tzatziki: Serve this salad with a side of homemade or store-bought tzatziki for an added burst of creamy flavor that complements the lemony shrimp and orzo.
• For Picnics and BBQs: This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It’s light, refreshing, and a great way to serve a crowd.

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Additional Tips

1. Substitute Proteins: If shrimp isn’t your thing, this salad works wonderfully with grilled chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
2. Vary the Pasta: While orzo is traditional, you can swap it for other small pasta shapes, such as farfalle, fusilli, or rotini.
3. Grill the Vegetables: For extra flavor, try grilling the cucumber and red onion before adding them to the salad. It adds a smoky depth to the dish.
4. Make it Creamy: For a creamier version of the salad, add diced avocado just before serving. It gives the salad a lovely texture and richness.
5. Boost the Flavor: If you prefer a bit more tang, add extra lemon zest or a dash of red wine vinegar to the dressing for an added punch of acidity.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the orzo and dressing a day ahead. Just add the shrimp and fresh herbs right before serving to maintain freshness.
2. What can I substitute for feta cheese?
   You can use goat cheese, bocconcini, or even a soft ricotta as a substitute for feta if you prefer a different flavor.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Orzo is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
4. Can I grill the shrimp on the stovetop?
   Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can cook the shrimp in a grill pan or a regular skillet on medium-high heat.
5. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh shrimp. Be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before grilling.
6. What other vegetables can I add?
   Feel free to experiment with other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or roasted eggplant.
7. How long will leftovers last?
   Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to add the shrimp and fresh herbs just before serving for optimal flavor.
8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh, but use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs.
9. How do I store the leftover dressing?
   Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
10. Can I serve this warm?
    While this salad is typically served chilled or at room temperature, it’s still delicious when served warm if you prefer.

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Conclusion

This Greek-Style Lemony Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad is the perfect way to bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table. It’s easy to prepare, refreshingly light, and packed with healthy ingredients that make it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal

prepping for the week, or bringing it to a picnic, this salad will quickly become a favorite. With juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty lemon dressing, it’s a dish that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. Don’t forget to adjust the lemon, herbs, and spices to your liking for the perfect balance of freshness and tang!

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