Ah, Orzo Salad with Shrimp! This dish holds a special spot in my heart, and let me tell you why. Every summer, my friends and I would gather for cookouts, and this salad became our go-to dish. It’s colorful, refreshing, and full of flavor—perfect for those long, sunny days spent lounging outside. Plus, it’s a dish that gets better the longer it sits, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time. There’s something so satisfying about digging into a bowl of this vibrant salad, feeling like you’ve got a little piece of summer in every bite.
Now, I can’t help but smile when I think about the first time I made it for my family. You would think I was crafting a five-star meal, but I was just tossing pasta, shrimp, and a bunch of fresh veggies together! Watching their faces light up with delight made it all worth it. So, let’s dive into this fabulous Orzo Salad with Shrimp recipe, and I’ll share all the juicy details!
## What’s in Orzo Salad With Shrimp?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly what goes into this delicious dish:
Orzo Pasta: This adorable little pasta looks like grains of rice and is perfect for adding texture. I usually go with a good quality brand, as it makes a difference in how well it holds up in the salad.
Shrimp: I recommend using fresh shrimp if you can find it! But frozen, peeled, and deveined shrimp works just as well for a quick meal.
Fresh Spinach: A handful of chopped spinach brightens up the salad and packs in some nutrients. Feel free to swap it for kale if that’s your jam!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add a pop of color and flavor. I love how they burst in your mouth!
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber provides a nice crunch to the salad, making it all the more delightful.
Red Onion: Finely chopped to add a bit of zing! You can soak them in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor if you’re not a huge fan.
Canned Chickpeas: Adding protein and fiber, chickpeas are a great way to bulk up the salad. They also make it extra hearty!
Kalamata Olives: These briny little gems add depth and an irresistible Mediterranean flair.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta cheese crumbles add an awesome burst of flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Unless you’ve got some kind of herb aversion, parsley adds a fresh finish to the dish.
Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil is key for dressing this salad. It pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar: Slightly tangy, it adds a wonderful acidity that balances out the richness of the feta and olive oil.
Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
## Is Orzo Salad With Shrimp Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad not only tastes fabulous but also brings several health benefits to the table.
1. **Balanced Nutrition:** With healthy fats from olive oil, protein from shrimp and chickpeas, and fiber and vitamins from fresh veggies, this salad covers all bases for a well-rounded meal.
2. **Heart-Healthy Ingredients:** Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein, making it a great choice for a filling yet light meal. The olive oil and chickpeas contribute heart-healthy fats and fiber.
3. **Hydration and Freshness:** Fresh vegetables like cucumber and spinach are loaded with water, helping to keep you hydrated—perfect for hot days!
However, just a quick note: If you’re watching your sodium intake, keep an eye on the olives and feta cheese, as they can be quite salty. You can use low-sodium varieties or skip them if needed!
## Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 4 people and here’s what you need:
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
## How to Make Orzo Salad With Shrimp?
Ready to whip this up? Here’s how you do it:
1. **Cook the Orzo:** Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
2. **Cook the Shrimp:** In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
3. **Mix the Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, drained chickpeas, sliced olives, the cooked shrimp, and the crumbled feta cheese.
4. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, and the rest of the oregano. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the orzo salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy!
## Salad Secrets and Serving Suggestions
Let’s chat about some fun tidbits for elevating your Orzo Salad!
– **Make It Ahead:** This salad is a star when it comes to meal prep! Make it a few hours or even a day ahead, and let the flavors meld together in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving!
– **Add Protein:** Feeling extra hungry? Toss in some grilled chicken or even chickpeas for an additional protein boost.
– **Seasonal Variations:** Feel free to switch out veggies based on the season. Roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even zucchini can be great additions.
– **Dairy-Free Option:** To make this dish dairy-free, just skip the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Now that you have the recipe, I encourage you to give this Orzo Salad with Shrimp a try. Trust me; it’s a dish that’ll impress your friends and family! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!
