Description
This Greek-Style Lemony Grilled Shrimp Orzo Salad is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Juicy grilled shrimp, lemony orzo, fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy feta make it a bright and refreshing dish perfect for any meal. It’s light, flavorful, and a great way to bring some Mediterranean vibes to your table!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 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 goat cheese or bocconcini)
For the Dressing:
- Zest and juice of 2–3 lemons (start with 1 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain the orzo and transfer to a large bowl. - Dress the Orzo:
While the orzo is still warm, add the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cool while you prepare the shrimp and other ingredients. - Season and Grill the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, oregano, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Set aside. - Assemble the Salad:
Add the cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, olives (if using), and feta cheese to the bowl with the orzo. Toss in the grilled shrimp and mix gently to combine. - Add Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle the dill, parsley, and mint over the salad. Toss lightly to distribute the herbs. - Serve:
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional lemon zest or herbs if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Protein Additions: For extra protein, add chickpeas or white beans to the salad.
- Creamy Option: Add diced avocado just before serving for added creaminess.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance. Add the shrimp and fresh herbs right before serving for optimal freshness.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as basil or oregano if you prefer different flavors.
- Serving Tips: This salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, and family gatherings. It can also be served as a light meal on its own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 180mg