Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek-Inspired
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

🦐 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Orzo Salad:

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta

  

  Ancient Herbal Brew Bids Farewell to Joint Pain and Boosts Circulation Fast

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup diced cucumber

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

  

  🍤 Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon honey (optional)

• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   Add orzo and cook according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes), until al dente.
   Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
   Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.

2. Marinate and Cook the Shrimp
   In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
   Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Lemon-Herb Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   Shake or stir until well emulsified. Adjust acidity and sweetness to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, feta, parsley, and dill.
   Add cooked shrimp.
   Pour the lemon-herb dressing over and toss gently until everything is well coated.

5. Serve
   Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing salad.
   Garnish with extra feta, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

🍋 Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a main course salad for lunch or dinner.

• Serve alongside grilled pita bread or roasted vegetables.

• Excellent for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep — it holds up well in the fridge.

  

  🍆 Baba Ganoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip)

• Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or lemon-mint iced tea.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for variety.

• Add spinach or arugula for extra greens.

• Use whole-wheat orzo for a fiber boost.

• For more tang, add a splash of red wine vinegar to the dressing.

• Make it heartier with avocado or roasted red peppers.

🌍 Mediterranean Story

This Shrimp Orzo Salad is inspired by the sunny flavors of the Greek islands, where seafood is a daily delight and meals are built around fresh herbs, olive oil, and citrus.
In the Mediterranean diet, dishes like this one reflect a perfect balance — light yet deeply satisfying, rich in healthy fats, and bursting with vibrant produce.

In the United States, it’s become a favorite summer dish — bright, colorful, and perfect for meal prep or outdoor gatherings. The juicy shrimp bring a taste of the sea, while the orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, absorbs every drop of the tangy lemon dressing.

Every bite offers a dance of flavors — the sweetness of tomatoes, the brininess of olives, the creaminess of feta, and the freshness of herbs — all coming together in one harmonious bowl. 🌿🍋

It’s not just a salad — it’s a mini Mediterranean escape you can make in under an hour.