Are you craving a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal? Look no further! This orzo pasta salad with shrimp is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner, a vibrant potluck contribution, or a light and refreshing lunch. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, bursts with Mediterranean flavors, and is surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and healthy dish – it's one of those best recipes that's both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients:
This orzo pasta salad recipe is easily adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed!
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or easy recipes for a busy week. Let's get cooking!
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shrimp, olives, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, parsley, and mint.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best results – the flavors will deepen and the salad will be much more enjoyable. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Orzo Salad:
- Don't overcook the orzo: Overcooked orzo will become mushy. Follow the package directions carefully and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and mint make a huge difference in the flavor of this salad.
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to blend.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
- Chicken Orzo Salad: Substitute cooked chicken for the shrimp.
- Different Cheese: Try goat cheese or Parmesan cheese instead of feta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This orzo salad with shrimp is a simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great example of homemade cooking that's both healthy and delicious, making it one of those easy recipes you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy!