Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp with Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and refreshing Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp served alongside a hearty Mediterranean Orzo Salad. The zingy lemon and fragrant dill marinade elevates the tender, juicy shrimp, while the orzo salad delights with the richness of feta cheese, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the briny flavor of Kalamata olives. Perfect for a summer dinner or a special gathering, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Share it with loved ones for a wholesome and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table.
4
Servings
160
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1/2 cup (extra virgin)
fresh dill
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon
large shrimp
16 (peeled and deveined (about 1 lb.))
orzo pasta
1 cup
feta cheese
2 ounces (crumbled)
red bell pepper
3/4 cup (finely diced)
kalamata olives
1/3 cup (pitted and quartered)
scallions
2 tablespoons (thinly sliced, including green parts)
fresh oregano
1 1/2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
metal skewers
4 (or bamboo skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to make the vinaigrette. Whisk until well blended.
2
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a separate medium bowl and pour 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette over them. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure they are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
3
While the shrimp are marinating, fill a medium saucepan with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer the orzo to a large mixing bowl.
4
To the cooked orzo, add the remaining vinaigrette and crumbled feta cheese. Toss to combine thoroughly.
5
Add the diced red bell pepper, quartered Kalamata olives, sliced scallions, and chopped oregano to the orzo salad. Toss again until all ingredients are well mixed.
6
Prepare the grill by heating it to high. Thread 4 shrimp onto each skewer, bending each shrimp slightly to ensure it is secure and cooked evenly.
7
Grill the skewered shrimp on high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and have lightly charred edges, about 4-5 minutes total.
8
Serve the grilled lemon-dill shrimp immediately alongside the Mediterranean orzo salad for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
8.8g
Fat
14.5g
Carbs
8.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The dish consists of Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp served with a Mediterranean Orzo Salad featuring feta cheese and Kalamata olives.
How many servings does this shrimp and orzo recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How long should the shrimp be marinated?
The shrimp should be marinated in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 160 calories, 8.8g of fat, 14.5g of carbohydrates, and 8.8g of protein.
What type of shrimp is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 large shrimp, which is about 1 pound, and they should be peeled and deveined.
How do I prepare the vinaigrette for the shrimp?
Whisk together grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground pepper until well blended.
How is the orzo pasta cooked?
Cook the orzo in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What kind of cheese is used in the Mediterranean orzo salad?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
How long do the shrimp skewers need to be grilled?
Grill the shrimp on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, totaling 4 to 5 minutes overall.
How many shrimp should be placed on each skewer?
You should thread 4 shrimp onto each of the 4 skewers.
Can I use bamboo skewers instead of metal ones?
Yes, you can use bamboo skewers, but they must be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
What vegetables are included in the orzo salad?
The salad includes finely diced red bell pepper, quartered Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced scallions.
What fresh herbs are used in this dish?
The recipe uses fresh dill for the shrimp marinade and fresh oregano for the orzo salad.
How do I know when the grilled shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and have developed lightly charred edges.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer and party recipe due to its fresh Mediterranean flavors.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What type of lemon juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Should the scallions include the green parts?
Yes, the scallions should be thinly sliced, including the green parts.
How much red bell pepper is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of finely diced red bell pepper.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
After cooking and draining the orzo, add the vinaigrette and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta and toss to combine.
How much fresh dill is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill.
How many kalamata olives should I prepare?
Use 1/3 cup of pitted and quartered Kalamata olives.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be prepared by heating it to high heat.
How much minced garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic.
Is there a specific way to thread the shrimp on the skewers?
Yes, bend each shrimp slightly to ensure it is secure and cooks evenly on the skewer.
What size should the red bell pepper pieces be?
The red bell pepper should be finely diced.
How much orzo pasta is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of orzo pasta.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and features seafood and fresh vegetables.
What should I do with the remaining vinaigrette?
The remaining vinaigrette that was not used for marinating the shrimp is tossed into the cooked orzo pasta.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving the grilled shrimp immediately alongside the Mediterranean orzo salad.