Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Salad

Bright, zesty, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Garlic Shrimp and Orzo Salad is a perfect fusion of hearty and fresh. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with succulent garlic-sautéed shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and creamy crumbled feta, all brought together with a vibrant lemon and olive oil dressing. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and balanced with fresh parsley and bold seasonings, this salad is both light and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner or make-ahead option for lunch or picnics. Serve it warm or cold for a versatile dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for anyone craving a refreshing shrimp pasta salad with a Mediterranean twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Cucumber, diced
• 0.25 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the orzo according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 7

Drizzle the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss to combine.

Step 8

Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 9

Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours to serve as a cold salad. Garnish with additional parsley or feta cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1342.2 grams (1342.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1983

Total Fat 77.20g	99%
Saturated Fat 24.50g	123%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 986mg	329%
Sodium 3325mg	145%
Total Carbohydrate 184.20g	67%
Dietary Fiber 15.60g	56%
Total Sugars 17.50g
Protein 155.50g	311%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 885mg	68%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 2234mg	48%

*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: 33.8%

Protein: 30.3%

Carbs: 35.9%